Red-Bellied Black Snake

The Red-bellied Black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) is one of Australia’s best-known snakes, and is very common in urban areas along the eastern coast of Australia. Although a Red-bellied Black snake is venomous and capable of causing significant envenomation no record exists for a bite from this species resulting in death.

Appearance

The Red-bellied Black Snake is glossy black on top and red, crimson or pink in colour on the lower sides and belly. The snout is often a lighter brown colour. It is a relatively large species of snake reaching up to two metres in length, although an average sized specimen would be closer to 1.4 m. Juveniles look similar to the less dangerous Eastern Small-eyed snake and can be easily confused.

Behaviour

The Red-bellied Black snake is most active by day. When not hunting or basking it lives beneath timber, rocks, rubbish, within holes or burrows. Although regarded as a generally placid species, when provoked it will recoil into its striking stance as a threat. It will try to escape at the first opportunity to avoid confrontation.

Diet

The Red-bellied Black Snake’s diet consists of frogs, reptiles and small mammals. They will eat other snakes, including those of its own species.

Distribution and Habitat

The Red-bellied Black Snake is native to the east coast of Australia.