The jungle has a new resident, and its name will ring a bell for rock enthusiasts. Researchers at the Field Museum in Chicago have christened a recently discovered non-venomous groundsnake from New Guinea as Lielaphis slashi, paying homage to Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. This reddish-brown snake, measuring around 71 centimeters, is now officially recognized as Slash’s groundsnake.
For Slash, this acknowledgment is significant as he is described by the Field Museum as a dedicated reptile enthusiast and a strong supporter of zoos and museums. His passion for snakes has been evident in his music and personal interests. In 1994, Slash founded the rock supergroup Slash’s Snakepit, comprising members from Guns N’ Roses, Alice in Chains, and Jellyfish.
Expressing his gratitude, Slash mentioned, “I am extremely honored and humbled to have Lielaphis slashi from New Guinea named after me. It is really exciting. I never would have imagined this moment would arrive.”
Sara Ruane, the Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology and the lead author of a Zootaxa paper detailing the new species, shared her early fascination with reptiles. Ruane’s inspiration to name a snake after Slash stemmed from a magazine cover featuring Slash holding his pet python. Years later, as a scientist naming newly discovered reptiles, she seized the opportunity to honor Slash through this naming.
Slash’s groundsnake was first encountered in 2006 during fieldwork in New Guinea by Chris Austin, a professor at Louisiana State University’s Museum of Natural Science. The island, known for its unique biodiversity, poses challenges for researchers due to the diverse snake species and their elusive nature.
Genetic analysis confirmed the distinctiveness of Lielaphis slashi within its genus. While researchers believe the snake poses no threat to humans, its habitat faces risks from agricultural activities and mining. Ruane emphasized that naming the snake not only pays tribute to Slash but also sheds light on the ecosystem that scientists are striving to comprehend.
In conclusion, while Guns N’ Roses once carried the moniker of “the most dangerous band in the world,” the namesake Slash’s groundsnake is a harmless forest dweller in New Guinea, now immortalized in the realm of rock and roll.