Shell to 24.0 mm in length, cylindrically-ovate, solid, teleoconch of 6-7 weakly convex whorls, protoconch unknown; post-embryonic whorls with 3 spiral cords and overriding axial lirae. later whorls with prominently punctate spiral grooves which number 1-3 on the penultimate whorl, shoulder of body whorl with a few punctate spirals which later become less prominently punctate, wider spaced or even obsolete in the center of the body whorl. Aperture higher than the spire, very narrow and smooth within, outer lip thickened and slightly constricted posteriorly, columella not calloused and with 5-6 strong, oblique folds which extend partly onto the siphonal fasciole. White to cream in color, body whorl ornamented with a broad, tan to dark brown band and superimposed snow-white wavy axial lines, tip of siphonal canal purple-brown, columellar teeth white, aperture white, banded with brown.

The species has occasionally been confused with juvenile specimens of Scabricola (Swainsonia) casta (Gmelin), but instead of having a fugitive brown epidermis, the broad brown band is part of the enamel and also contains whitish wavy lines. The species, which has a restricted Indian Ocean distribution, resembles species of the Swainsonia group, but the radula is that of an Imbricaria. Hinton (1978a) erroneously states that the species is "moderately common in some areas of the tropical Pacific,” since to date I. bicolor is not known to occur in the Pacific, nor has it been recorded E. of the Chagos Islands.

From E. Africa to Mauritius and the Chagos Islands. Habitat - In coral sand, from the intertidal zone to a depth of 20 m.