Schizomavella hastata is an encrusting bryozoan that forms broad irregular patches which are often only loosely attached to the substrate and may develop erect, folded sheets or cylinders. Erect growth forms develop especially on erect substrates and on large hydroids. Colonies are composed of either a single or multiple layers of autozooids. Autozooids are rectangular to polygonal, flat or slightly convex. They are 0.4-0.7 by 0.3-0.5 mm.
The precise geographic distribution of Schizomavella hastata is uncertain, owing to prior confusion with Schizomavella linearis. It is known to occur on the west coasts the British Isles from Shetland to Guernsey. Outside of the UK it has been recorded from Galicia, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
The species is able to colonise stones, shells and large hydroids in subtidal waters.