Description:
The coffee melampus, Melampus coffeus, is also known as the coffee bean snail.  These small snails reach approximately 0.75 inches in length, and 1/2 inch in height.  Shells are ovate and taper toward the base.  Color is typically brown, tan, gray, or yellow-brown, with one or more light colored bands.  The aperture is narrow and has a thin outer lip which is toothed on the inner margin.  The inner lip is turned somewhat backwards, and is pale brown in color.  The spire is broadly conical.

Habitat:
The coffee melampus is found in shady, estuarine habitats in the intertidal zone, as well as above the high tide line.  They are common in mangrove communities and mosquito impoundments.  Most prefer shady, muddy areas in mangrove leaf litter, marsh grasses, or under rocks. 

Similar Species:
The eastern melampus, Melampus bidentatus,  is very similar in size overall appearance.  However, the spiral banding in the eastern melampus is generally in a darker color than the base color of the shell.  Additionally, in the eastern melampus, there are spiral, incised lines in the upper shoulders of the shell;   these lines are smooth rather than incised in the coffee melampus.

Range:  
Southern half of Florida through the West Indies to Brazil.