A newly discovered snake species from the rainforests of New Guinea has been named after Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, in recognition of the rock legend's lifelong support for environmental conservation.
The species, officially named Lielaphis slashi, is a reddish-brown ground snake measuring approximately 71 centimeters (28 inches) in length. It was identified by herpetologist Fred Kraus from specimens collected in the northeastern lowlands of mainland New Guinea, and described in a taxonomic paper published in the journal Zootaxa in August 2026.
The snake is characterized by its distinctive scale pattern and notably mild temperament — a contrast to its rock-star namesake's stage persona. It inhabits tropical lowland forests and is distinguished from related species by subtle differences in scale counts, coloration, and body proportions.
Kraus, who has spent decades documenting the reptile diversity of the Pacific islands and New Guinea, said the naming was intended to highlight Slash's long-standing advocacy for rainforest conservation and biodiversity protection. The guitarist has supported various environmental organizations throughout his career.
The discovery adds to the growing list of new species being identified in New Guinea, which remains one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth despite accelerating deforestation and habitat loss. Scientists estimate that thousands of species in the region have yet to be formally described.
The paper describing Lielaphis slashi was part of a broader study that also identified three other new snake species from the Papuan region, all belonging to the genus Dendrelaphis (tree snakes).
