New Subterranean Snail Species Cyllena hermes Discovered in Southern Greece

Researchers at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens have identified a new genus and species of subterranean freshwater snail, officially named *Cyllena hermes*, discovered within a karst spring system in southern Greece. The snail inhabits an entirely underground environment, exhibiting specific biological adaptations to life in near-total darkness, including the absence of eyes and a lack of pigmentation.

The scientific team documented these physical traits as evolutionary responses to the snail’s isolated, lightless habitat. The name *Cyllena hermes* references the Greek god Hermes and his nymph caretaker, Cyllene, drawing a connection to the location of the discovery. This finding adds a new classification to the study of subterranean biodiversity in the region, providing further data on the specialized organisms that survive within Greece’s complex underground water networks.

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Date: July 17, 2026

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GOAI