Distribution of Palisa papillata includes Florida, Jamaica and Panama.

[3] The holotype of this species was found at Port Royal, Jamaica and a specimen from Miami, Florida was included in the original description.

[3] Cerata are arranged in clusters forming a single row along each side of the dorsum.

[3] Background color is translucent gray with numerous opaque white spots on both the dorsum and cerata.

[3] Cerata are with a pale blue digestive gland and characteristic black or dark brown spots at the base.