Polymita picta

Subspecies and varietas within this species include: • Polymita picta picta • Polymita picta picta var. muscata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta picta var. multifasciata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta picta var. dimidiata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta picta var. obscurata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta iolimbata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta iolimbata var. iofasciata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta iolimbata var. iosaturata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta iolimbata var. iodimidiata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta fuscolimbata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta fuscolimbata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta fuscolimbata var. elevata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta nigrolimbata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta nigrolimbata var. fulminata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta nigrolimbata var. nigrofasciata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta roseolimbata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta roseolimbata forma minor Torre 1950 • Polymita picta roseolimbata var. virgata Torre 1950 • Polymita picta roseolimbata var. albolimbata Torre 1950 ==Distribution and habitat==

This snail is endemic to Cuba. They are spread throughout eastern Cuba, particularly within Alexander von Humboldt National Park, which extends from the mountains to the northeastern coast of the island. These arboreal molluscs live mainly in coastal habitats in the subtropical forest, with a preference for certain tree species including Chrysobalanus icaco, Metopium toxiferum, Metopium brownei, Bursera simaruba and Coccoloba retusa. ==Description==

Shells of Polymita picta can reach a length of about . These large shells are shiny and very brightly colored. Normally they show a bright yellow color with a white stripe, but the species is well known for its colourful shell polymorphism, with numerous color varieties. Shell colors vary (polymorphism) depending on the diet of the snail. Some researchers suspect it is a defense mechanism to evade predators by confusing them. == Conservation ==

The snails' shells are sought after by poachers and used to make jewelry and trinkets. As a result, the species has become endangered. It is a protected species since 1943 under a law that prohibits its export except for scientific reasons. ==Biology==

Polymita picta mainly feeds on lichen, moss and on fungal biofilms present on bark and leaves. The life cycle lasts about 15 months, with breeding time during the wet season (September- October). The snails become dormant in the dry season (December- beginning of May). == Gallery ==

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