Everything about Red-bellied Black Snake totally explained
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 isn't 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's common in urban areas along the East Coast of Australia.
Appearance
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's front fanged. It has 17 mid-body scale rows. It looks similar to the
Eastern Small-eyed Snake.
Distribution and habitat
The Red-bellied Black Snake is native to the east coast of
Australia. The Red-bellied Black Snake can be found in the urban forest, woodland, plains and bushland areas of
Canberra,
Sydney,
Brisbane,
Melbourne and
Adelaide. It is most commonly seen close to dams, streams, billabongs and other water systems.
Behaviour
Nature
This is generally not an aggressive species. However, when provoked, it'll recoil into its striking stance as a threat, but will try to escape at the first opportunity. It is active by day and night. When not hunting or basking it may be found beneath timber, under rocks or down holes and burrows.
Diet
The Red-bellied Black Snake's diet consists primarily of
frogs, but it also preys on
reptiles and small
mammals. They also eat other snakes, including those of their own species. The introduction of the
cane toad has caused problems for the red-bellied black snake. Many snakes have been fatally poisoned while trying to eat the
toxic toad.
Venom
Although the Red-bellied Black Snake is docile, it'll strike if provoked. Bites from Red-bellied Black Snakes are potentially lethal and require immediate medical attention.
Tiger Snake antivenom is used to treat bites from red-bellied black snakes. While black snake antivenom can be used, tiger snake antivenom can be used at a lower dose. The smaller dose is cheaper to produce, and is less likely to cause a reaction in the patient. The Red-bellied Black Snake (when compared to other Australian species) is comparatively low in relative toxicity.
Reproduction
Unlike the other members of the black snake genus, Red-bellied Black Snakes give birth to live young, in individual membranous sacs. The young emerge from their sacs very shortly after birth, numbering between 8 to 40, and which have an average length of about 22 cm.
Gallery
Image:Red belly.jpg|Red-bellied black snake in zoo enclosure
image:Red Bellied Black Snake.jpg|Red-bellied black snake basking in the sun
Image:Red-Bellied-Black-Snake-BFP-1.JPG|Red-Bellied Black Snake at Brisbane Forest Park, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Image:Pseudechis porphyriacus (Sowerby).jpg|Pseudechis porphyriacus, given in the title as “Coluber Porphyriacus”, appearing in Zoology and botany of New Holland and the isles adjacent (1794)
Further Information
Get more info on 'Red-bellied Black Snake'.
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