In the depths of the jungle, a newly discovered groundsnake from New Guinea has been honored with a rock-inspired name. Researchers at the Field Museum in Chicago have christened the 71-centimeter non-venomous reptile as Lielaphis slashi, paying tribute to iconic Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.
The snake, now formally recognized as Slash’s groundsnake, holds special significance for the musician, who has a deep-rooted passion for reptiles and actively supports zoos and museums. Slash, known for his affinity towards snakes, even founded the rock supergroup Slash’s Snakepit in 1994, showcasing his love for these creatures both in his music and personal life.
Expressing his gratitude, Slash described the naming of Lielaphis slashi after him as a truly exciting and unexpected honor. The species was unveiled by Sara Ruane, the Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology, who has had a lifelong interest in reptiles since her early years.
The journey to naming the snake after Slash began when Ruane, inspired by an article featuring the guitarist with his pet snake, envisioned the idea. Meeting Slash in person at the Field Museum further solidified the connection, with Ruane noting his profound knowledge and passion for snakes and natural history.
Slash’s groundsnake was initially encountered in 2006 during fieldwork in New Guinea by Chris Austin, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity. The snake’s unique genetic makeup sets it apart from other species in its genus, though it poses no threat to humans. Instead, it likely preys on small lizards and reptile eggs using its enlarged teeth at the back of its mouth.
Despite its rockstar namesake, Slash’s groundsnake faces a greater danger from habitat loss due to human activities like coffee farming and mining. By naming the snake after Slash, researchers aim to draw attention to the fragile ecosystem it inhabits and promote awareness of the importance of these creatures in maintaining ecological balance.
While Guns N’ Roses may have once been known as the “most dangerous band in the world,” Slash’s groundsnake represents a more peaceful presence, quietly navigating the forests of New Guinea and leaving a lasting mark in the world of rock and roll-inspired taxonomy.