A jungle in New Guinea is now home to a newly discovered snake named after a famous rock musician. Scientists from the Field Museum in Chicago have officially named the approximately 71-centimeter reddish-brown non-venomous groundsnake as Slash’s groundsnake in tribute to Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. Slash, a known reptile enthusiast, expressed his honor and excitement about having the snake named after him.

The associate curator of herpetology at the Field Museum, Sara Ruane, who described the new species in a paper in Zootaxa, shared her lifelong passion for reptiles. Her interest in herpetology began at a young age, and she recalled a magazine cover featuring Slash with a snake that inspired her to name a snake after the musician. Ruane mentioned that naming the snake after Slash was a highlight of her work.

The groundsnake was first discovered in New Guinea in 2006 by Chris Austin, a herpetology professor. The island, known for its rich biodiversity, remains a challenging place for scientists to explore due to its dense forests. The newly named snake, Lielaphis slashi, was identified as a distinct species through genetic testing. Researchers believe that the snake poses no threat to humans and primarily preys on small lizards and reptile eggs.

Conservationists warn that Slash’s groundsnake faces threats from human activities such as coffee farming and mining in its habitat. Ruane emphasized that naming the snake serves not only as a tribute to Slash but also as a means to raise awareness about the importance of snakes in the ecosystem. Despite Guns N’ Roses’ wild reputation, Slash’s groundsnake is a harmless forest dweller, now forever recognized in the world of rock and roll.