A previously undocumented snake from New Guinea has been formally named Lielaphis slashi, honoring Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash. Researchers distinguished the reddish-brown groundsnake from related species using both genetic sequencing and physical characteristics, according to a report from ScienceDaily.
The choice of name ties to Slash's well-known childhood passion for reptiles, a detail noted in the source. However, the article does not state whether the guitarist participated in the discovery or the naming decision, only that his affinity for snakes made the tribute fitting.
Since this is a single source, there are no conflicting accounts to compare. The finding underscores how fieldwork and molecular tools continue to reveal hidden biodiversity in regions like New Guinea, where many species remain undescribed.