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Scientists have discovered a new species of freshwater snail living in an underground cave in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. The species, named Erhaia dijiang, was found in Hongta District of Yuxi City and described in a study published in the scientific journal Subterranean Biology. This discovery is especially important because it represents the first documented freshwater cave-dwelling snail in China. The species belongs to the family Erhaiidae, a group of tiny freshwater snails found in parts of Asia. Researchers also discovered that the snail lives approximately 2,062 meters (6,765 feet) above sea level, making it the highest-altitude cave-dwelling member of its family known to science (He et al., 2026).

One of the most interesting features of Erhaia dijiang is its complete lack of eyes. Living in permanent darkness, the snail has lost its visible eye structures, a characteristic commonly associated with animals adapted to underground environments. Its body is pale and lacks pigmentation, while its small, cone-shaped shell is highly translucent. The researchers named the species after Di Jiang, a faceless mythical being described in ancient Chinese literature. Laboratory observations revealed that these snails strongly avoid light and actively seek shelter in dark spaces beneath rocks. These characteristics make the species an interesting example of how organisms can become specialized for life in environments without sunlight (He et al., 2026).

To study the newly discovered snail, scientists collected specimens and examined their shells using microscopy. They also analyzed mitochondrial DNA, particularly a gene called cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), to determine how the snail is related to other freshwater species. Genetic comparisons supported its identification as a distinct species within the genus Erhaia. The researchers found that the snails inhabit shallow cave water among gravel and rocks, where temperatures remain close to 20°C (68°F). During laboratory observations, the snails fed on diatoms, which are microscopic algae, growing on rock surfaces. These findings provide valuable information about the species’ biology, feeding behavior, and underground habitat (He et al., 2026).

Despite the excitement surrounding this discovery, scientists are concerned about the species’ survival. During their initial survey, they found only three living adults and one empty shell, with no juveniles observed. Although this small number does not establish the total population size, it suggests that the snail may be uncommon and highlights the need for additional surveys. Because Erhaia dijiang is currently known from a very limited cave habitat, changes in groundwater conditions or disturbances to its environment could pose conservation risks. Researchers recommend further exploration of China’s underground freshwater ecosystems and stronger conservation efforts for these poorly understood animals. The discovery demonstrates that caves may contain unique species that remain unknown to science and emphasizes the importance of protecting biodiversity beneath Earth’s surface (He et al., 2026).

References

He, Y.-M., Xiang, H.-Q., Yang, J.-M., Zheng, H., Yang, S.-Z., Zhou, Y.-F., & Zheng, J. (2026). A new eyeless species in Erhaiidae (Gastropoda, Truncatelloidea) from a cave in Yuxi City, Yunnan, China. Subterranean Biology, 56, 127–136. https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.56.188075

Pensoft Editorial Team. (2026, August 4). China’s first cave-dwelling freshwater snail named after a mythical mountain god. Pensoft Publishers. https://blog.pensoft.net/2026/08/04/chinas-first-cave-dwelling-freshwater-snail-named-after-a-mythical-mountain-god

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