cool-critters

Cuban land snail (Polymita picta)

The Cuban land snail is a species of large, air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Helminthoglyptidae. There are several subspecies and varietas. This snail is endemic to Cuba. These arboreal molluscs live mainly in coastal habitats in the subtropical forest, with a preference for certain tree species. Shells of Polymita picta can reach a length of about 20 mm. Polymita picta mainly feeds on lichen, moss and on fungal biofilms present on bark and leaves. 

photo credits: H. Zell, Hectonichus, Thomas Brown