A recently discovered non-venomous groundsnake from New Guinea has been named Lielaphis slashi by scientists at the Field Museum in Chicago, in tribute to Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. The 71-centimeter reddish-brown reptile is now officially recognized as Slash’s groundsnake.
Slash, known for his lifelong passion for reptiles and support of zoos and museums, expressed his honor at having a snake named after him. The guitarist, who formed the band Slash’s Snakepit in 1994, has always been vocal about his love for snakes in both his music and personal life.
Sara Ruane, the Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology, shared that her interest in reptiles started at a young age. Inspired by a magazine cover featuring Slash and his pet snake, she had always wanted to name a snake after him. Years later, having the opportunity to describe and name a new species, she felt that naming it after Slash was the perfect touch to the project.
Slash’s groundsnake was initially discovered in 2006 during fieldwork in New Guinea. The island, known for its rich biodiversity, poses challenges for researchers due to the presence of venomous snakes that resemble harmless species. The newly identified snake, Lielaphis slashi, was distinguished as a unique species through genetic testing.
Researchers believe that Slash’s groundsnake poses no threat to humans and likely feeds on small lizards and reptile eggs using its enlarged teeth. However, the species faces a greater danger from human activities such as coffee farming and mining, leading to habitat loss.
Naming the snake after Slash serves not only as a tribute to the rock star but also draws attention to the importance of understanding and preserving ecosystems like the one in New Guinea. Through this naming, scientists hope to raise awareness about the significance of snakes in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.
