A new serpent has been discovered in the jungle, and its name will ring a bell with rock enthusiasts. Researchers at the Field Museum in Chicago have christened a recently found non-venomous groundsnake from New Guinea as Lielaphis slashi, paying homage to Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.
This reddish-brown reptile, measuring approximately 71 centimeters, has now been officially dubbed Slash’s groundsnake. This accolade holds special significance for Slash, who is described by the Field Museum as a lifelong reptile enthusiast and a staunch advocate for zoos and museums.
The renowned guitarist has openly expressed his fondness for snakes throughout his career. In 1994, he established the rock supergroup Slash’s Snakepit, featuring members from Guns N’ Roses, Alice in Chains, and Jellyfish. In a statement from the Field Museum, Slash referred to himself as a “long-time herpephile,” a term denoting individuals with a keen interest in reptiles and amphibians.
Expressing his gratitude, Slash stated, “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 lead author of a paper in Zootaxa outlining the new species, shared how her fascination with reptiles began at a young age. She recalled receiving a copy of Reptiles Magazine featuring Slash with his pet python on the cover when she was 12. This ignited the idea of naming a snake after Slash, which she found intriguing.
Ruane had the privilege of showing Slash around the Field Museum during his visit to Chicago, noting his profound knowledge and passion for snakes and natural history. She mentioned that Slash’s groundsnake was first encountered in 2006 during fieldwork in New Guinea by Chris Austin, a professor from Louisiana State University.
The researchers clarified that this snake species, while not posing a threat to humans, faces risks from habitat destruction due to activities like coffee farming and mining. Naming the snake after Slash serves not only as a tribute but also as a means of drawing attention to the ecosystem in need of conservation efforts.
In conclusion, while Guns N’ Roses may have been labeled as “the most dangerous band in the world” in the 1980s, Slash’s groundsnake represents a peaceful addition to the rock and roll hall of fame, quietly navigating the forests of New Guinea.
