New Snake Species Found in New Guinea Named After Slash: ‘I Am Extremely Honored and Humbled’

In an intriguing intersection of rock music and natural history, a newly discovered nonvenomous ground snake species from New Guinea has been named after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. The serpent, known scientifically as Lielaphis slashi, has been affectionately dubbed Slash’s groundsnake, a nod to the iconic musician’s lifelong love for reptiles.

The discovery was made by scientists from the Field Museum, who were excited to announce their findings in a recent news release. This new species, found on the island of New Guinea, exhibits a rather unassuming appearance, with a simple dark brown scale pattern and a contrasting tan underbelly. Importantly, as a nonvenomous snake, it poses no threat to humans.

Slash, now 61 years old, expressed his delight at the honour of having the snake named after him. “As a long-time herpetophile, I am extremely honoured and humbled to have Lielaphis slashi from New Guinea named after me,” he stated. His enthusiasm for reptiles has been a consistent thread throughout his life and career, even influencing his musical pursuits.

The lead scientist on the project, Sara Ruane, shared her personal connection to both the musician and her scientific work. Ruane, the Associate Curator of Herpetology at the Field Museum, revealed that Guns N’ Roses had been a favourite band since her childhood, and her aspiration to become a herpetologist was inspired by the guitarist himself. She fondly recalled acquiring a copy of Reptiles Magazine that featured Slash holding his pet reticulated python. “I thought, ‘This guy is so cool,’” she reminisced.

Ruane’s admiration for the rock star extended beyond just his music. She noted that Slash’s appreciation for natural history and his affinity for visiting museums and zoos resonated deeply with her own interests. “When I reread his interview, and he talked about how much he loves museums and zoos and natural history, it all made me think that he’d be a great person to name a new species after.”

The study detailing the snake’s discovery was a collaborative effort, involving research contributions from various institutions across the United States and Papua New Guinea. The team included experts from Rutgers University, Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science, and several other renowned establishments. This collective effort showcases the extensive research and dedication that went into identifying and describing the new species.

While it is not uncommon for scientists to name newly discovered species after notable figures, this particular naming carries a unique story that blends popular culture with academic research. For Ruane and her colleagues, the recognition of Slash reflects the enduring impact of his passion for reptiles, which has inspired a new generation of herpetologists.

Furthermore, Slash’s groundsnake adds to the rich biodiversity of New Guinea, an island known for its unique flora and fauna. The discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving such habitats, as well as the ongoing need for scientific exploration and documentation of the planet’s species.

In this way, the name “Slash’s groundsnake” not only honours a legendary guitarist but also highlights the continuing relationship between the realms of music, popular culture, and science. As Slash himself noted, he never imagined that a moment like this would come to pass, showcasing how passion—whether for music or reptiles—can leave a lasting legacy.