Overview
- Researchers publicized a Zootaxa paper and institutional press releases on Aug. 20–21, 2026 that officially named the species Lielaphis slashi, commonly called Slash’s groundsnake.
- Laboratory work used multiple genetic analyses, scale counts and ecological modeling to show the snake is distinct from related species and justifies its formal species status.
- The roughly 28‑inch, reddish‑brown groundsnake is nocturnal, often found at the base of large trees, and does not produce venom that would seriously harm people.
- The specimen was first seen during night fieldwork in 2006 and later became the focus of multi‑institution collaboration led by researchers at the Field Museum, LSU and partner museums.
- Scientists warn that coffee farming, mining and other land uses threaten the snake’s forest habitat and say naming the species and public engagement can help drive survey work and conservation planning.