Red-bellied Black Snake
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| Pseudechis porphyriachus Shaw, 1794 |
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 Range of Red-Bellied Black Snake (in red)
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The Red-bellied Black Snake is a venomous and dangerous species of snake native to eastern Australia. It is common in woodlands, forests and swamplands of eastern Australia. It is one of Australia's best known snakes, as it is common in urban areas along the Eastern Coast of Australia.
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[edit] Physical description
This species of snake is glossy black on the dorsal surface and a brilliant red or crimson colour on the ventral surface. The snout is often a lighter brown colour. It is a relatively large species of snake reaching about 1.5m to 2.5m. Like all Elapid snakes it is front fanged. It has 17 mid-body scale rows. It looks similar to the Small-eyed snake. [1]
[edit] Location
The Red-bellied Black Snake is native to the East Coast of Australia; particularly in parts of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and south-eastern South Australia. The Red-bellied Black Snake is commonly found in the urban forest, woodland, plains and bushland areas of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. It is most commonly seen close to streams, swamps, and other enriched water systems.
[edit] Behaviour
This is generally not an aggressive species. However, when provoked, it will recoil into its striking stance as a threat, but will try to escape at the first opportunity. It is active by day and night and normally found near a water body. When not hunting or basking it may be found beneath timber, under rocks or down holes and burrows. The Red-bellied Black Snake's diet consists primarily of frogs, but it also preys on reptiles and small mammals.
[edit] Venom
Although the Red-bellied Black Snake is docile, it will strike if provoked. Bites from Red-bellied Black Snakes are potentially lethal and require immediate medical attention. Tiger Snake Anti-Venom is often use as a source of treatment.[2] The Red-bellied Black Snake (when compared to other Australian species) is comparatively low in relative toxicity. [3]
[edit] Reproduction
Unlike its Elapid relatives and most snakes, Red-bellied Black Snakes give birth to live young. Females give birth to a range of 5 to 40 young; producing its young in individual membranous sacs and emerge very shortly after birth. The average size of the newborns is about 22cm.
