A fresh serpent has been discovered in the jungle, and its name might ring a bell for rock enthusiasts. Researchers from the Field Museum in Chicago have christened a newly unearthed, non-venomous groundsnake from New Guinea as Lielaphis slashi, paying homage to the iconic Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Slash.
This reddish-brown reptile, measuring about 71 centimeters, is now officially recognized as Slash’s groundsnake. The tribute holds personal significance for Slash, as the Field Museum notes his lifelong passion for reptiles and unwavering support for zoos and museums.
Notably, Slash has openly embraced his fascination with snakes, evident in his musical endeavors and the formation of the rock supergroup, Slash’s Snakepit, back in 1994. In a statement from the Field Museum, Slash expressed his gratitude at having a snake species named after him, stating, “I am extremely honored and humbled… 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 the Zootaxa paper detailing the newfound species, shared her early interest in reptiles and how Slash inspired her to name a snake after him. Ruane recounted that Slash’s affection for reptiles, museums, and natural history, as discussed in a magazine interview, influenced her decision years later as a scientist naming newly discovered reptiles.
The identification of Slash’s groundsnake dates back to 2006 when Chris Austin, a professor and curator of herpetology at Louisiana State University’s Museum of Natural Science, encountered the species during fieldwork in New Guinea. The island’s rich biodiversity, coupled with its challenging terrain for scientific exploration, presented an ideal habitat for the groundsnake.
Despite its inconspicuous appearance, genetic testing confirmed the distinctiveness of Lielaphis slashi from other snakes within its genus. Conservationists emphasize that Slash’s groundsnake poses no threat to humans, primarily preying on small lizards and reptile eggs with its rear teeth without venomous capabilities.
However, the species faces threats from human activities such as coffee farming and mining, putting pressure on its forest habitat. Naming the snake after Slash not only honors the rock legend but also raises awareness about the delicate ecosystem in which it resides.
In conclusion, while Guns N’ Roses may have once been hailed as the “most dangerous band in the world,” this incarnation of Slash is far from menacing. Found quietly navigating the forests of New Guinea, the snake now holds a permanent spot in the annals of rock and roll nomenclature.
