Little Bean Tapes
NameLittle Bean Tapes
Scientific NameDonax variabilis
Common NameLittle Bean Tapes, Coquina Clam, Variable Coquina
FamilyDonacidae
GenusDonax
Speciesvariabilis
Geographic DistributionSoutheastern United States coast, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)10
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, wedge-shaped shell (though less obvious from the interior), highly variable and often bright coloration, distinct internal purple band, and its habit of living in large aggregations on sandy beaches.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author CitationSay, 1822
Description
The interior view of a small bivalve shell, commonly known as Little Bean Tapes, resting on a human fingertip. The shell exhibits a striking internal coloration with a prominent central purple band against a white background, flanked by darker brown patterns near the hinge area. The shell surface shows fine concentric growth lines.
