New Snake Species Named After Slash

A new snake species, Lielaphis slashi, also known as Slash's groundsnake, has been discovered in New Guinea and named after the renowned Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Slash. Biologists from the Field Museum, including Tianqi Huang, Chris Austin, and Sara Ruane, identified the species after extensive research. Slash expressed his excitement and honor at having the snake named after him, calling it "really exciting" and "never would have imagined this moment would arrive."

Ruane, a fellow fan of Guns N’ Roses, shared her personal connection to the guitarist and the significance of the snake's naming. She recounted how she became a herpetologist at the age of twelve after seeing Slash holding his pet reticulated python on the cover of Reptiles Magazine. Ruane emphasized the importance of recognizing new species to better understand ecosystems and the need for conservation efforts.

The newly discovered snake is non-venomous and can grow up to 28 inches in length. Although Slash's love for snakes is evident through his support for reptile conservation and his musical side project, Slash's Snakepit, the discovery also highlights the threat these habitats face from industries like coffee farming and mining. Ruane stresses the importance of recognizing and protecting these species to preserve the environment.