Reptiles
Red-bellied Black Snake
Pseudechis porphyriacus
On the bank of a bush creek, a red-bellied black snake slides into the water, its glossy back black as tar and its flanks flashing red.
Overview
The red-bellied black snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus, is a Least Concern venomous snake of wetlands, forest, and woodland along the east coast of Australia. Its glossy black and red colouring, shy nature, and adaptation to cane toads make it one of the most familiar snakes of eastern Australian creeks.
A snake that learned about cane toads
Where cane toads have spread, the snakes that eat frogs have faced a deadly new prey, and populations of this species have evolved some resistance to the toads’ toxin.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common.
Red-bellied Black Snake: common questions
Why is it called the red-bellied black snake?
It is named for its glossy black back and its bright red to pink flanks and belly.
Is the red-bellied black snake dangerous?
It is venomous, but it is shy and bites are uncommon and rarely fatal, though any bite needs medical attention.
What does it eat?
It hunts frogs, lizards, fish, and other snakes, including other venomous species.
Where is the red-bellied black snake found?
It lives in wetlands, forest, and woodland along the east coast of Australia.