Researchers Named New Snake Species After Slash
The recently identified groundsnake discovered in New Guinea pays tribute to the legendary guitarist.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Reptiles
Scientists have officially identified a new species of groundsnake, Lielaphis slashi, discovered in the jungles of New Guinea. The nocturnal reptile was named in honor of guitarist Slash due to his well-known passion for snakes.
Why it matters
The naming acknowledges the intersection of popular culture and biological discovery by highlighting the artist's dedication to herpetology. This naming serves to draw broader public interest toward new taxonomic classifications in remote regions.
The Lielaphis slashi is a non-venomous snake that measures approximately 71 centimeters, or 28 inches, in total length. It is a nocturnal hunter that utilizes large teeth located in the back of its mouth to secure lizards and reptile eggs.
The players
Slash
He is a world-renowned guitarist and musician who has maintained a lifelong personal passion for the study and care of reptiles.
Lielaphis slashi
This newly discovered non-venomous nocturnal groundsnake species was identified by researchers in New Guinea.
The details
Researchers confirmed the existence of Lielaphis slashi through comprehensive genetic testing and physical scale counts that distinguished it from other snakes. This reddish-brown groundsnake is uniquely adapted for nighttime hunting within its native habitat in New Guinea.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: The formal announcement of the newly discovered snake species.
Culture Shift
The tradition of naming newly discovered organisms after public figures reflects a larger shift in bridging academic science with public interest. By honoring celebrities with an interest in natural history, researchers bridge the gap between niche biological discoveries and mainstream cultural engagement.
This discovery highlights the continued importance of biodiversity exploration in remote regions like New Guinea. For reptile enthusiasts, it underscores the ongoing potential for identifying distinct nocturnal species that were previously overlooked by science.
The takeaway
This discovery emphasizes that many nocturnal species in remote environments remain undocumented by the scientific community. Enthusiasts can track similar taxonomic updates to better understand the global distribution of non-venomous groundsnakes.
Further reading
Learn more about modern herpetology and species discovery in our Reptiles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News International.
