This snail is the index fossil for the upper Yorktown Formation. All turritellids have a distinctive corkscrew shape and a high pointed spire resembling turrets on castles. These snails are scavengers that feeds on organic detritus (dead and decaying plant and animals remains). They are common in muddy marine environments. T. alticostata is one of many turritelids in the Eastover and Yorktown Formations.