Red-bellied Black Snake

The red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is indigenous to Australia. Originally described by George Shaw in 1794 as a species new to science, it is one of eastern Australia's most commonly encountered snakes. Averaging around 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in) in total length (tail included), it has glossy black upperparts, bright red or orange flanks, and a pink or dull red belly. It is not aggressive and generally retreats from human encounters, but will defend itself if provoked.

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Is it venomous or poisonous?

Considered venomous. Public sources list it as such; we have not verified this individually. The note covers its whole genus. Australian black snakes (Pseudechis) Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Pseudechis guttatus — considered venomous
• Austrelaps ramsayi — venomous
• Austrelaps superbus — venomous
• Drymarchon couperi
• Notechis scutatus — considered venomous

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Reptilia

Order

Squamata

Family

Elapidae

Genus

Pseudechis

Species

Pseudechis porphyriacus

More species