Yes, I had already a long conversation about it on another forum and there I was told - by some people with more knowledge about snails - that it is well possible that this one was painted. The goal of the painting can be several - by accident, for research ( to tell them better apart ) or as some kind of protection for being stepped on ( see this article : To Prevent Snails From Getting Stepped On, People Pimp Out Their Shells ) .
