There is a recent discovery of a new snake species in the jungle, and it has been named after a famous rock guitarist. Researchers at the Field Museum in Chicago have identified a newly found groundsnake from New Guinea as Lielaphis slashi, paying tribute to Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. The snake, measuring around 71 centimeters in length with a reddish-brown coloration, is now officially recognized as Slash’s groundsnake.
Slash, known for his love of reptiles, expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating that he never expected such recognition. The naming of the snake after him holds special significance due to his lifelong passion for reptiles and his support for zoos and museums.
Sara Ruane, the Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology and lead author of the species description in Zootaxa, shared her early fascination with reptiles, inspired in part by Slash’s influence. She recalled a magazine cover featuring Slash and his pet snake, which sparked the idea of naming a snake after him. Ruane emphasized the privilege of naming a new species and considered naming it after Slash as the highlight of the project.
The snake, initially discovered in 2006 during fieldwork in New Guinea, intrigued researchers with its genetic distinctiveness within its genus. Referred to as Slash’s groundsnake, it poses no threat to humans and likely feeds on small lizards and reptile eggs using its specialized teeth. However, the species faces potential threats from human activities such as coffee farming and mining, endangering the forests where they reside.
The naming of the snake not only pays homage to Slash but also serves as a means to raise awareness about the ecosystem in which it thrives. Researchers emphasize the importance of understanding and appreciating the role of snakes in the natural world, highlighting their ecological significance despite common misconceptions about these creatures. Slash’s groundsnake, a quiet inhabitant of New Guinea’s forests, adds a unique touch to the realm of rock and roll names.