« Shell minute, conic-ovate […] semi-transparent, fairly solid, colour yellowish. Protoconch of 1,5 non-twisted whorls, sculptured with numerous granules, irregularly set in the interspaces between the 5-6 spiral riblets. These riblets gradually disappear towards the end of the protoconch. No separation between protoconch I and II. Teleoconch of about 3,2 convex whorls. Axial sculpture of 21 ribs [on the holotype]; spiral sculpture of 7 ribs of which 3 above the aperture and 2 on the first whorls of teleoconch. Intersections nodulose. The aperture is rounded antereiorly and somewhat angulose posteriorly. Outer lip with a well-pronounced, orthocline varix. Microsculpture of teleoconch consitsing of very fine spiral striae. » – M. Oliverio: “A new Prosobranch from the Mediterranean Sea, Alvania dianiensis n. sp.”, Bulletin Zoölogisch Museum, Universiteit van Amsterdam, vol. XI (13), Amsterdam 1988, p. 117-118.

« The epithet dianiensis is from the old latin name of the isle of Giannutri [the type-locality], which is “Dianium”. » – Ibid.