A new species of snake has been discovered in the jungle, and it has been named after a famous rock musician. Researchers from the Field Museum in Chicago have officially named a newly identified groundsnake from New Guinea as Lielaphis slashi in tribute to the guitarist Slash from the band Guns N’ Roses.

This reddish-brown snake, measuring about 71 centimeters, is now known as Slash’s groundsnake. Slash, known for his love of reptiles and support for zoos and museums, expressed his honor at having a snake species named after him, referring to himself as a “long-time herpephile.”

Sara Ruane, the Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology, who led the study describing the new species, revealed her early interest in reptiles, inspired by Slash’s passion for snakes as portrayed in a magazine cover. She mentioned that naming a species after Slash was a fun idea she had since childhood and considered it a privilege to be able to do so.

The snake was first discovered in 2006 during fieldwork in New Guinea by Chris Austin, a professor and curator of herpetology at Louisiana State University. Genetic testing confirmed that Lielaphis slashi is a distinct species within its genus. Conservationists highlight the threats faced by Slash’s groundsnake due to habitat destruction from industries like coffee farming and mining.

Despite Slash’s reputation as a rock legend, the snake named after him poses no danger to humans and is believed to prey on small lizards and reptile eggs without using venom or constriction. Experts emphasize that naming the snake after Slash serves not only as a tribute but also as a means to raise awareness about the fragile ecosystem where the species resides.