Red-bellied Black Snake

Red-bellied Black Snake by Evan Pickett

The Red-bellied Black Snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus, is a venomous species of elapid snake native to eastern Australia. Though its venom is capable of causing significant morbidity, it is not generally fatal and less venomous than other deadly Australian snakes. 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.

Red-bellied Black Snake by barryhatton33

The Red-bellied 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 Eastern Small-eyed Snake.