The length of the shell varies between 2.2 mm and 4 mm.
This broad shell has an oval-conical shape. It contains up to seven
whorls and with deep sutures. The
protoconch is multispiral. Its surface is reticulated by the close-packed ribs and the spiral cords (6 to 7 spiral cords on the
body whorl above the aperture). The large
aperture has an oval shape with a thick rim. The outer
lip shows internal ridges and a well-developed
varix. The inner lip is reflected over the umbilical region (but there is no
umbilicus).
The color of the shell is white, cream or orange. There are often two brown bands on the
body whorl.
^Alvania beanii (Hanley in Thorpe, 1844). Gofas, S. (2009). Alvania beanii (Hanley in Thorpe, 1844). In: Bouchet, P.; Gofas, S.; Rosenberg, G. World Marine Mollusca database. Accessed through the
World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=416615 on 27 October 2010 .
Nordsieck, F. (1972). Die europäischen Meeresschnecken (Opisthobranchia mit Pyramidellidae; Rissoacea). Vom Eismeer bis Kapverden, Mittelmeer und Schwarzes Meer. Gustav Fischer, Stuttgart. XIII + 327 pp.