A recently discovered groundsnake in New Guinea has been named Lielaphis slashi by scientists at the Field Museum in Chicago, paying tribute to the famous Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. This reddish-brown snake, measuring around 71 centimeters in length, is now officially known as Slash’s groundsnake.
Slash, known for his lifelong passion for reptiles and support for zoos and museums, expressed his honor and excitement for having a snake named after him. The guitarist, who formed the rock supergroup Slash’s Snakepit in 1994, has always been vocal about his love for snakes and reptiles.
The Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology, Sara Ruane, who authored a paper in Zootaxa describing the new species, shared her early interest in reptiles and how she came up with the idea to name a snake after Slash after seeing him on the cover of Reptiles Magazine with his pet python.
The naming of Lielaphis slashi after Slash was a special highlight for Ruane, who considers the privilege of describing and naming a species a significant achievement. She mentioned that showing Slash around the Field Museum was like conversing with a fellow enthusiast of snakes and natural history.
The discovery of Slash’s groundsnake dates back to 2006 when Chris Austin, a herpetology professor at Louisiana State University, found the species during fieldwork in New Guinea. The island, known for its rich biodiversity, poses challenges for researchers due to the presence of venomous snakes and the elusive nature of groundsnakes.
Genetic testing confirmed that Lielaphis slashi is a distinct species within its genus. Conservationists highlight the threats faced by Slash’s groundsnakes, primarily habitat destruction caused by industries like coffee farming and mining.
Naming the snake after Slash not only pays tribute to the rock star but also sheds light on the importance of conserving the ecosystem where these snakes reside. This act serves as a reminder of the crucial role snakes play in maintaining the balance of our natural world.
While Guns N’ Roses was once dubbed “the most dangerous band in the world,” Slash’s groundsnake is far from menacing. It peacefully navigates the forests of New Guinea, securing its place in both the natural world and the realm of rock and roll legends.
