Scientists just named a new snake after Guns N’ Roses legend Slash

A newly discovered snake from New Guinea has been named after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, who has loved reptiles since childhood. Genetic testing and physical differences confirmed that the reddish-brown groundsnake, Lielaphis slashi, is a species scientists had never formally recognized before. The nonvenomous snake may use large rear teeth to catch slippery lizards and reptile eggs.

Scientists just named a new snake after Guns N’ Roses legend Slash. He has also been fascinated by reptiles for most of his life and has long supported zoos, museums, and natural history. Now that passion has earned him an unusual scientific honor.

Researchers have named a newly identified snake species from New Guinea Lielaphis slashi, or Slash’s groundsnake. "As a long time herpephile, I am extremely honored and humbled to have Lielaphis slashi from New Guinea named after me. It is really exciting, I never would have imagined this moment would arrive," says Slash.