Red-bellied Black Snake

The red-bellied black snake is one of Australia's most iconic and recognisable venomous snakes, known for its glossy black upper body and striking crimson to deep red underbelly. Native to eastern Australia, it is commonly found in forests, woodlands, swamps, and urban edges, often near water sources like creeks, rivers, and dams. Although it has a fearsome reputation, this species is typically shy and prefers to avoid confrontation, fleeing rather than attacking when disturbed.

 

This snake can grow up to 2 metres in length, with a relatively robust body and smooth, sleek scales that help it glide through grass and water. It’s an excellent swimmer and is often spotted basking on sunny riverbanks or slithering through reeds and aquatic vegetation. Its diet consists mostly of frogs, making it especially vulnerable to the spread of amphibian chytrid fungus and habitat degradation. Red-bellied blacks will also eat reptiles (including other snakes), fish, and small mammals.

 

Despite being venomous, bites from red-bellied black snakes are rarely fatal to humans. The venom contains both neurotoxic and myotoxic elements, which can cause tissue damage and illness if untreated, but the snake’s generally passive nature and tendency to deliver dry bites mean that serious envenomation is uncommon. They give live birth rather than laying eggs, producing up to 20 young in a single litter, a trait shared by many elapid snakes in cooler or wetter regions.

 

The red-bellied black snake plays a valuable role in controlling populations of frogs and rodents, and as a predator of venomous brown snakes, it helps maintain ecological balance. Unfortunately, urbanisation and fear-based killings have reduced their numbers in some areas. As with all native snakes, they are protected in Australia, and their conservation is important for healthy ecosystems, especially in riparian zones where they’re most commonly found.

 

Did You Know?

 

Red-bellied black snakes can hold their breath and stay submerged underwater for over 20 minutes, a handy trick for escaping predators or sneaking up on amphibian prey.