A new snake species discovered in New Guinea has been named Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, who expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am extremely honored and humbled to have Lielaphis slashi from New Guinea named after me.”
Chicago Field Museum herpetologist Sara Ruane, a longtime fan of Guns N’ Roses, shared her childhood dream of becoming a herpetologist and her admiration for Slash, stating, “Guns N’ Roses has been one of my favourite bands since I was in first grade.”
New Guinea’s biodiversity, particularly its snakes, remains poorly studied, with researchers discovering the new snake species L. slashi during fieldwork in 2006 and confirming its uniqueness through genetic analyses a decade later.
The genetic distinctiveness and physical characteristics of L. slashi, such as differences in scale numbers and feeding behavior, led researchers to classify it as a new species with no venom harmful to humans.
Despite the non-threatening nature of L. slashi to humans, its habitat faces threats from industries like coffee farming and mining, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and preserving every species for a better understanding of ecosystems.
