New New Guinea Snake Named After Guns N’ Roses Guitarist Slash

Scientists in New Guinea have formally described a previously unrecognized species of ground snake, naming it Lielaphis slashi after the legendary guitarist Slash, who has long been an avid reptile enthusiast. Genetic sequencing and distinct morphological traits confirmed the snake’s status as a new species. The reddish‑brown L. slashi is nonvenomous and is believed to feed on slippery lizards and reptile eggs, using its large rear teeth to grasp prey. The discovery expands the known diversity of the region’s herpetofauna and provides a new subject for studies on predator‑prey dynamics in tropical ecosystems. By linking the species to a popular cultural icon, the naming may also help draw public attention to conservation efforts in New Guinea’s fragile habitats.