A new snake has been discovered in the jungle and it pays tribute to a famous rock musician. The Field Museum in Chicago recently unveiled a newly identified groundsnake from New Guinea, naming it Lielaphis slashi after the renowned Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Slash.
The reddish-brown Slash’s groundsnake, measuring around 71 centimeters, has officially been introduced as a nod to the guitarist. Slash, known for his lifelong passion for reptiles and his support for zoos and museums, expressed his delight at the recognition. His affinity for snakes is evident in his music and past projects, such as forming the rock group Slash’s Snakepit in 1994.
In a statement from the Field Museum, Slash, referring to himself as a “long-time herpephile,” shared his honor and surprise at having a snake species named after him. Sara Ruane, the museum’s associate curator of herpetology and lead author of the species description in Zootaxa, recounted her early fascination with reptiles and her inspiration from seeing Slash featured in a reptile magazine.
Slash’s groundsnake was initially encountered in 2006 during fieldwork in New Guinea by Chris Austin, a herpetology professor at Louisiana State University. The island, known for its rich biodiversity, poses challenges for researchers due to the presence of both venomous and harmless snake species. Despite its unassuming appearance, genetic analysis confirmed Lielaphis slashi as a distinct species within its genus.
Conservationists emphasize the threats faced by Slash’s groundsnakes due to habitat destruction from industries like coffee farming and mining. Naming the snake after Slash not only honors the musician but also sheds light on the importance of understanding and preserving ecosystems like those in New Guinea.
While Guns N’ Roses was once labeled as the “most dangerous band in the world,” Slash’s groundsnake represents a peaceful inhabitant of the New Guinea forests, now eternally linked to the world of rock and roll.