A recently discovered groundsnake in New Guinea has been named Lielaphis slashi by scientists at the Field Museum in Chicago, paying homage to Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. The snake, officially known as Slash’s groundsnake, measures approximately 71 centimeters and sports a reddish-brown coloration.
Slash, a well-known reptile enthusiast and supporter of zoos and museums, expressed his gratitude for having a snake species named after him. The Field Museum described him as a “lifelong reptile lover” and highlighted his involvement with the rock supergroup Slash’s Snakepit, which featured members from prominent bands.
Sara Ruane, the Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology, shared her early passion for reptiles and how a childhood admiration for Slash led to the idea of naming a snake after him. Ruane, who authored the paper in Zootaxa introducing the new species, emphasized the privilege of naming a species and considered naming the snake after Slash as the highlight of the project.
The snake, initially discovered in 2006 by Chris Austin in New Guinea, is part of the extraordinary biodiversity found on the island. Despite its harmless nature, the species faces threats from habitat destruction due to industries like coffee farming and mining. Researchers believe Slash’s groundsnake primarily preys on small lizards and reptile eggs, using its teeth rather than squeezing its prey like a boa constrictor.
The naming of the snake not only pays tribute to Slash but also sheds light on the importance of understanding and preserving ecosystems. Ruane emphasized the significance of appreciating snakes for their role in the ecosystem, contrasting the snake’s peaceful existence with Guns N’ Roses’ former “most dangerous band” status. Slash’s groundsnake now stands as a symbol of rock and roll in the realm of wildlife discovery.