5 of the world’s most beautiful snails, including one threatened by its own beauty

Snails are often associated with small, brown creatures that crawl through gardens after rain. However, some species possess shells adorned with vivid stripes, swirls, spots, and colors that rival tropical birds and butterflies. One group of snails, exclusively found in Cuba, is so visually striking that its collectors have endangered the species through shell harvesting.

Researchers from Cuba and the United Kingdom are now collaborating to safeguard these captivating creatures before they vanish. Here are five of the world's most beautiful snails, each a work of art in its own right.

1. The Cuban painted snail, often hailed as the world's most beautiful snail, is exclusive to eastern Cuba. Its shell exudes dazzling combinations of red, yellow, orange, green, blue, and white, rendering each specimen one-of-a-kind. Scientists express particular concern for these snails due to the high demand for their colorful shells, which are collected and sold as decorative items and jewelry. Certain species, including the Polymita sulphurosa, are critically endangered.

2. The candy cane snail, native to the Caribbean, sports a white shell marked with 3 to 6 spiraling bands of brown, black, pink, green, or yellow. This tree-dwelling species has long piqued the interest of shell collectors due to its striking appearance and diverse color patterns.

3. The flamingo tongue snail, despite its diminutive size, is impossible to overlook. Populating the warm Caribbean and western Atlantic waters, it showcases orange-and-black leopard-like patterns. However, the vibrant appearance stems from the living mantle, a tissue layer enveloping the shell, which turns plain white upon the snail's demise.

4. The precious wentletrap, prized for its elegant shape rather than vivid colors, boasts a porcelain-white shell with precisely spaced spiral ridges. Throughout history, collectors have held these shells in high regard, making them once the most sought-after seashells worldwide.

5. Albino giant African land snails are notably large but become even more captivating when they exhibit albinism. Their pale cream or ivory shells and light-colored bodies impart an almost ethereal appearance. Owning, selling, or importing these snails is strictly prohibited in countries like the United States.