New Snake Species Named After Slash of Guns N’ Roses

A new snake species has been discovered in the jungle and has been named after rock icon Slash, the guitarist of Guns N’ Roses. The scientists at the Field Museum in Chicago have officially named the recently identified non-venomous groundsnake from New Guinea as Lielaphis slashi, in tribute to Slash. The snake, measuring about 71 centimeters in length and sporting a reddish-brown color, is now recognized as Slash’s groundsnake.

Slash, known for his passion for reptiles, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. Described by the Field Museum as a “lifelong reptile lover and supporter of zoos and museums,” Slash has showcased his affection for snakes through his musical endeavors, such as forming the rock band Slash’s Snakepit in 1994.

In a statement, Slash mentioned being honored and humbled by having a snake species named after him, stating that he never anticipated such an acknowledgment.

WATCH | The story behind Slash’s groundsnake:

Why a snake was named after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash

5 hours ago|

Duration 1:53

Herpetologist Sara Ruane explains the story behind naming a snake species after the legendary musician. She also shares why snakes are misunderstood animals that play an important role in the ecosystem.

Sara Ruane, the associate curator of herpetology at the Field Museum and the senior author of the species description in Zootaxa, shared her early fascination with reptiles, paving her path to becoming a herpetologist. Recalling a magazine cover featuring Slash and his pet snake, Ruane expressed her desire to name a snake after him. Years later, as a scientist naming new reptile species, she found the perfect opportunity to honor Slash.

Slash’s visit to the Field Museum provided Ruane with the chance to show him around, bonding over their shared love for snakes and natural history. Ruane praised Slash’s knowledge of dinosaurs, suggesting he would have excelled as a scientist if not for his musical career.

The discovery of Slash’s groundsnake dates back to 2006 when Chris Austin, a herpetology professor at Louisiana State University’s Museum of Natural Science, came across the species during fieldwork in New Guinea. The genetic analysis revealed that Lielaphis slashi stood out from other snakes in the same genus.

Despite its benign nature towards humans, conservationists warn that the habitat of Slash’s groundsnakes is under threat from human activities like coffee farming and mining. Naming the snake after Slash serves not only as a tribute but also as a means to raise awareness about the ecosystem in New Guinea.

Appreciating the role of snakes in the ecosystem, Ruane emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting these creatures. While Guns N’ Roses may have once been labeled as the “most dangerous band in the world,” Slash’s groundsnake symbolizes a peaceful presence in the jungles of New Guinea, securing its place in the realm of rock and roll legends.