A recently discovered non-venomous groundsnake from New Guinea has been named after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash by scientists at the Field Museum in Chicago. The snake, officially called Slash’s groundsnake, measures around 71 centimeters and has a reddish-brown coloration.
Slash, known for his love of reptiles and support for zoos and museums, expressed his honor and excitement at having the snake named after him. The guitarist, who founded the rock supergroup Slash’s Snakepit in 1994, has always been vocal about his passion for snakes and their significance.
The Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology, Sara Ruane, shared her early fascination with reptiles and how Slash inspired her to name a snake after him. Ruane had the opportunity to show Slash around the museum during one of his visits to Chicago, where they bonded over their mutual love for snakes and natural history.
The snake, named Lielaphis slashi, was first encountered in 2006 in New Guinea by Chris Austin, a herpetologist at Louisiana State University. Despite its unassuming appearance, genetic testing revealed that Slash’s groundsnake is a distinct species within its genus.
While the snake poses no threat to humans, conservationists warn that its habitat in the New Guinea forests is under pressure from various industries. Naming the snake after Slash not only pays tribute to the rock star but also raises awareness about the ecosystem where the species resides.
This unique recognition highlights the importance of snakes in our ecosystem and serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature. Slash’s groundsnake may not be as menacing as its namesake band, but it now holds a special place in the realm of rock and roll.