Scientists just named a new snake after Guns N’ Roses legend Slash
A newly discovered snake species from New Guinea, Lielaphis slashi, has been named after Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash. The naming honors the musician's long-standing support for natural history and his personal passion for reptiles.
Why it matters
This highlights the intersection of pop culture and scientific discovery, demonstrating how public figures can influence and support the field of herpetology.
Slash, also known as Saul Hudson, is famous worldwide as the guitarist for Guns N' Roses. But music is only part of his story. 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.
For Sara Ruane, the Field Museum's Associate Curator of Herpetology and senior author of a paper in Zootaxa describing the species, the name also has a personal connection.
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