In the jungle, a new snake has been discovered and given a familiar name to rock enthusiasts. Researchers at the Field Museum in Chicago have christened a newly found non-venomous groundsnake from New Guinea as Lielaphis slashi, paying tribute to Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. This reddish-brown snake, measuring around 71 centimeters, is now officially recognized as Slash’s groundsnake.
Being a lifelong reptile enthusiast and a strong supporter of zoos and museums, Slash was deeply honored by this recognition. His passion for reptiles has been evident in his music and actions, such as forming the rock supergroup Slash’s Snakepit in 1994. In a statement from the Field Museum, Slash referred to himself as a “long-time herpephile,” indicating his profound interest in reptiles and amphibians.
Sara Ruane, the Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology and the main author of a paper in Zootaxa unveiling the new species, revealed her early fascination with reptiles. Inspired by a magazine cover featuring Slash with his pet reticulated python, Ruane had long harbored the idea of naming a snake after the iconic guitarist. Years later, as a scientist, she realized this dream by officially naming the species after Slash, considering it a significant privilege and the highlight of her project.
The newly discovered Slash’s groundsnake was first encountered in 2006 during fieldwork in New Guinea by Chris Austin, a professor and curator of herpetology at Louisiana State University’s Museum of Natural Science. Despite the rich biodiversity of the island, studying its wildlife remains a challenge due to the dense forests and the elusive nature of snakes, which often remain hidden and motionless.
Genetic testing confirmed that Lielaphis slashi is a distinct species within its genus, although its appearance did not immediately suggest its novelty. The snake poses no threat to humans, primarily preying on small lizards and reptile eggs using its enlarged teeth without venom or constriction methods. However, the species faces a greater danger from human activities such as coffee farming and mining, threatening the forests that serve as its habitat.
By naming this snake after Slash, Ruane aims to not only honor the musician but also draw attention to the fragile ecosystem where the species resides. This act serves as a reminder of the importance of snakes in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. While Guns N’ Roses may have once been known as the “most dangerous band in the world,” Slash’s groundsnake stands as a peaceful inhabitant of the New Guinean forests, leaving its mark in the world of rock and roll through its unique moniker.