Red-bellied Black Snake
Pseudechis porphyriacus
Highly Venomous
Other common names: Red belly black
Species Profile
Red-bellied Black Snake
Significance to Humans
Highly Venomous
The Red-bellied Black Snake is known for its reclusive nature, but when faced with a perceived threat, it may inflate and flatten its body and neck to appear more intimidating. Bites from this snake require immediate and proper first aid attention. Despite its supposed fearsome reputation, the Red-bellied Black Snake is usually a reluctant biter. However, it will resort to a defensive display and bite if provoked or intimidated.
General Description
The snake’s entire body is uniformly glossy black, except for the tip of its snout, which is paler brown. Its belly displays a red or pink flush, with brighter shades on the sides and paler hues in the middle. The hind edge of the belly scales is black, giving the snake a distinctive red and black striped appearance. This unique belly colouration extends along the flanks and sides, making it easily distinguishable from the Eastern Small-eyed Snake. Midbody scales at 17 rows.
Average Length
1.5 metres but larger specimens have been recorded in the Greater Brisbane, Ipswich and Gold Coast areas. the largest recorded specimen captured by a member of our team measured 2.04 metres in length.
Habitat in SE Qld
The Red-bellied Black Snake thrives in wet habitats, particularly in rainforests and areas near water sources. It can often be found in grassy or rocky regions along watercourses, swamps, and lagoons. Additionally, it inhabits seasonally inundated alluvial woodlands, where it adapts well to the changing water levels.
General habits
The Red-bellied Black Snake is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. It actively searches for potential prey, making it a skilled hunter. Early in the morning, the snake engages in basking behavior, raising its body temperature to an optimal level before starting its foraging activities.
Diet
The primary diet of this species consists of frogs, with regular consumption of other reptiles (including other snakes) and small mammals. In the past, it suffered significantly due to the introduction of Cane Toads. However, the snake has since adapted and appears to have excluded Cane Toads from its diet in response to the toxins present in the toads.
Local distribution
This species has experienced population declines in certain areas where favored habitats have been significantly destroyed. Despite this, recent reports from snake handlers indicate its presence in inner suburbs, including Milton, St Lucia, and Moorooka. However, it is more commonly associated with suburbs that offer riparian habitats. Notably, there have been recent captures of this snake inside the Brisbane Convention Centre and Charlotte Street.
Around the home
This snake species is often found near ground refuges, including timber piles, sheet iron, rock walls, and dense vegetation. While there have been occasional records of it climbing to capture frogs from the eaves of homes, such encounters are rare. When a large, freshly sloughed Red-bellied Black Snake is spotted, it truly becomes a sight of beauty, admired even by those who claim to despise snakes.
Red-bellied Black Snake Gallery
