In the lush jungles of New Guinea, a newly discovered non-venomous groundsnake has been named after the renowned Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Slash. Scientists from the Field Museum in Chicago have officially dubbed the approximately 71-centimeter reddish-brown snake as Slash’s groundsnake, or scientifically known as Lielaphis slashi.
Slash, a devoted reptile enthusiast and supporter of zoos and museums, expressed his honor and excitement for having a snake species named after him. The guitarist’s lifelong passion for snakes has been evident in his music and personal interests, including forming the rock supergroup Slash’s Snakepit in 1994.
Sara Ruane, the associate curator of herpetology at the Field Museum, shared her early fascination with reptiles and her dream of becoming a herpetologist since fifth grade. Inspired by a magazine cover featuring Slash with his pet snake, Ruane fulfilled her ambition by naming the newly identified groundsnake after the rock legend.
The discovery of Slash’s groundsnake dates back to 2006 when Chris Austin, a herpetologist, encountered the species during fieldwork in the biodiverse forests of New Guinea. Despite its unassuming appearance, genetic testing revealed that Lielaphis slashi is a distinct species within its genus.
Unlike some venomous snakes in the region, Slash’s groundsnake poses no threat to humans and primarily feeds on small lizards and reptile eggs using enlarged teeth at the back of its mouth. However, habitat destruction due to industries like coffee farming and mining poses a significant risk to the species.
By naming the snake after Slash, researchers aim to raise awareness not only of the rock star’s love for reptiles but also of the need to protect the delicate ecosystem where Slash’s groundsnakes reside. This collaboration between music and science highlights the importance of appreciating and conserving the diverse wildlife that surrounds us.