Pseudechis porphyriacus (Red-bellied Black Snake)

Body colour is uniform glossy black, with black edged, red belly scales and bright red lower flanks adjacent to the belly scales.

It can grow to 2 m in length although the average size is about 1.4 m.

It could be confused with the Eastern Small-eyed Snake, which has smaller eyes and pinkish-red belly scales that do not have black edges and the colour does not extend up the sides of the body.

It is common along the main rivers and creeks and is also found on the ranges where it shelters beneath fallen timber, cavities below ground and large rock slabs.

The Red-bellied Black Snake gives birth to an average of 20 young which emerge from membranous sacs within an hour of being delivered. The species is often associated with wet environments and has been observed foraging beneath water in search of tadpoles, frogs or fish.

It is venomous and, although no human fatalities have been recorded, bites to the hand may result in amputation of the fingers due to the substantial tissue damage that is caused by compounds in the venom. The Red-Bellied Black Snake is typically a placid and inoffensive animal that is reluctant to bite unless provoked. However, if provoked it will flatten its neck and turn side on to the attacker while retreating to cover. It is also capable of delivering a bite without injecting venom. These ‘dry bites’ are usually delivered when they are accidentally stepped on. In other cases, the Red-bellied Black Snake will recoil their body hitting a person’s legs with the tail, giving the impression of being bitten. Black snakes will occasionally prey on large brown snakes, although the reverse is also true.