Rock and science have just teamed up in the coolest way possible! The Field Museum announced that a newly discovered species of snake has been officially named Lielaphis slashi — in honor of none other than Slash, the legendary guitarist of Guns N’ Roses.
The 28-inch-long reddish-brown groundsnake was found in the lush forests of New Guinea, the world’s second-largest island. At first glance, scientists weren’t sure it was anything new, but cutting-edge genetic analyses confirmed it was a species science had never described before.
The name was the idea of herpetologist Sara Ruane, who has been a Guns N’ Roses fan since she was in first grade and once even told her teacher she wanted to grow up studying reptiles. Talk about a dream come true! “As a long-time herpephile, I am extremely honored and humbled to have Lielaphis slashi named after me,” said Slash.
The discovery is also a wonderful reminder of why scientific research matters: every new species described helps us understand and protect the fragile forests it calls home. Chicago’s Field Museum strikes again — blending world-class science with a little rock-and-roll spirit.
Photo: Field Museum
