A newly discovered non-venomous groundsnake from New Guinea has been named Lielaphis slashi by scientists at the Field Museum in Chicago, in tribute to Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. The snake, officially known as Slash’s groundsnake, measures approximately 71 centimeters and has a reddish-brown coloration.
Slash, a lifelong reptile enthusiast and supporter of zoos and museums, expressed his honor and excitement at having a snake species named after him. The naming was spearheaded by Sara Ruane, the Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology, who recalled Slash’s affinity for reptiles from a magazine cover featuring him with a pet snake.
The snake, initially discovered in 2006 in New Guinea, was identified as a new species through genetic testing. Named after Slash due to his passion for reptiles and natural history, the snake, known for not posing a threat to humans, is facing habitat loss from industries like coffee farming and mining.
Ruane emphasized that naming the snake after Slash is not only a tribute but also a way to raise awareness about the ecosystem in which the species resides. Despite Guns N’ Roses’ past reputation as the “most dangerous band in the world,” Slash’s groundsnake peacefully navigates the forests of New Guinea, securing a lasting place in the rock and roll realm.