Red-Bellied Black Snake
Pseudechis porphyriacus
A glossy black elapid with a vivid red or pink belly, common near waterways in eastern Australia.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.5-2.0 m (5-6.6 ft)
- Range
- Eastern Australia
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Overview
The red-bellied black snake is one of the most recognizable and commonly encountered venomous snakes in eastern Australia, often seen basking near creeks, dams, and wetlands. Despite its potent venom, it is generally regarded as shy and unlikely to bite unless provoked.
Its striking contrast of glossy black upperparts and vivid red underside makes it one of the more visually distinctive elapids in the region.
How to identify it
- Glossy, uniform black or dark bluish-black upper body
- Bright red, pink, or orange belly scales, fading to gray toward the tail
- Smooth, iridescent dorsal scales
- Round head barely distinct from the neck, round pupils
- Distinguished from other black elapids by the vivid red ventral coloration
Habitat & range
Common in and around wetlands, creeks, rivers, dams, and swampy woodland across eastern Australia, from coastal regions to inland waterways, often found basking on logs or banks near water.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and semi-aquatic, an accomplished swimmer that forages both on land and in water for frogs, fish, reptiles, and small mammals. Generally shy, preferring to flee rather than confront threats. Ovoviviparous, bearing live young in late summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the red-bellied black snake aggressive?
No, it is typically shy and will retreat when possible, biting only if cornered or threatened.
Does it swim?
Yes, it is a strong swimmer and often hunts frogs and fish in water.
How venomous is it?
Its venom is potent but bites are rarely fatal compared with some other Australian elapids, though bites remain serious.
What does it eat?
Frogs, fish, lizards, and small mammals, along with occasional other snakes.
Red-Bellied Black Snake guides
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