A new snake species has been discovered in the jungle, and it pays homage to a well-known rock musician. The Field Museum in Chicago has officially named a newly found non-venomous groundsnake from New Guinea as Lielaphis slashi, in honor of the iconic Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Slash.
This reddish-brown reptile, measuring approximately 71 centimeters, is now formally recognized as Slash’s groundsnake. The guitarist, known for his lifelong passion for reptiles and his support for zoos and museums, expressed his excitement and gratitude for this recognition.
Sara Ruane, the associate curator of herpetology at the Field Museum and the lead author of the Zootaxa paper detailing the new species, shared that her fascination with reptiles began at an early age. She recalled receiving a copy of Reptiles Magazine featuring Slash with his pet python on the cover when she was 12, planting the idea of naming a snake after him in her mind.
The snake, named after Slash, was first encountered in 2006 during fieldwork in New Guinea by Chris Austin, a herpetology professor at Louisiana State University. Despite the lush forests of the island posing challenges for researchers, genetic testing confirmed that Lielaphis slashi is a distinct species within its genus.
Slash’s groundsnake, not posing a threat to humans, likely preys on small lizards and reptile eggs using its enlarged back teeth. However, the species faces environmental threats from activities like coffee farming and mining in its habitat.
Naming the snake after Slash serves not only as a tribute to the musician but also as a means to raise awareness about the ecosystem in which it resides. The discovery underscores the importance of understanding and preserving the natural world and the vital role snakes play in the ecosystem.
In contrast to Guns N’ Roses’ reputation as the “most dangerous band in the world” during the 1980s, Slash’s groundsnake is a harmless forest dweller, peacefully navigating the landscapes of New Guinea and securing a lasting place in the realm of rock and roll-inspired nomenclature.