Why scientists named a newly discovered snake after Guns N' Roses' Slash
In a fascinating discovery, scientists have unveiled a new non-venomous snake species from New Guinea, named Lielaphis slashi. This remarkable naming pays tribute to Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, also known as Saul Hudson, who has always been captivated by reptiles and the natural world. First encountered during past fieldwork, this small ground-dwelling snake signifies the incredible…
A newly discovered snake species from the forests of New Guinea has been named Lielaphis slashi, or Slash's groundsnake, in honor of Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, whose real name is Saul Hudson. The Field Museum announced the species' description, revealing that the name was inspired by Slash's long-standing fascination with snakes, reptiles and natural history.
The small ground-dwelling snake was first spotted during fieldwork in New Guinea years before researchers confirmed it was a distinct species, contributing to the island's diverse wildlife.
The decision to name the snake after Slash holds a personal significance for Sara Ruane, the associate curator of herpetology at Chicago's Field Museum and senior author of the study. Ruane developed an early interest in both reptiles and Guns N’ Roses, with the band being one of her favorites since childhood. This connection grew stronger when she was 12, when she received a Reptiles Magazine featuring Slash with his pet reticulated python.
The accompanying interview by Slash, discussing his love for museums, zoos, natural history, and snakes as a child, led Ruane to choose his name as the tribute for the newly recognized species.
Slash welcomed the honor, stating he was "extremely honored and humbled" to have a snake from New Guinea named after him. The guitarist's connection to snakes extends to his music career, as he formed the rock band Slash's Snakepit in 1994. The new snake species, Lielaphis slashi, is about 28 inches long and has a reddish-brown appearance. It is non-venomous and primarily found in the night around the bases of large trees, where it searches for food.
The discovery of Lielaphis slashi sheds light on New Guinea's rich biodiversity and the challenges posed to its forests by threats like coffee farming and mining. Formal documentation of species is crucial for conservation, as scientists cannot protect or study organisms they are unaware of. For Slash, the discovery is an unexpected scientific honor, while for Ruane, it combines her childhood interests in reptiles and rock music.
The snake's name now carries a connection between a recognisable rock star and a newly recognised species from New Guinea.
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