Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) in the wild — Catch'Um species field guide

Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) wildlife photograph

Overview

Red-bellied black snakes are sleek eastern Australian elapids with shiny black backs and red to crimson flanks and belly. They favour damp habitats near creeks and wetlands, hunting frogs and other small prey, and are often seen basking on paths after rain.

For Australia collectors, this snake is an eastern wetland classic — crimson side flash, frog specialist, and one of the most frequently encountered venomous snakes on bushwalks.

Scientific namePseudechis porphyriacus
Length1.5–2.0 m
Weight0.5–1.2 kg
LifespanAround 10–15 years in the wild
DietPrimarily frogs
ConservationLeast Concern
RegionEastern Australian Wetlands

Habitat

Creek corridor
Swamp margin
Wet forest
Damp farmland

Swamps, creeks, wet forests, and damp farmland of eastern Australia from Queensland to South Australia, especially near frog-rich water.

Countries found

Red-bellied Black Snake in Australia

Field notes

Field scale for the Red-bellied Black Snake: length around 1.5-2.0 m; weight 0.5-1.2 kg. Typical lifespan: Around 10-15 years in the wild.

When you are scanning habitat, prioritise creek corridor, swamp margin, wet forest, and damp farmland. Those settings are where a clean look and a usable photo are most likely.

Quick ID anchor: Medium to large snake with a polished black back and bright red flanks. Confirm with behaviour and habitat before you log the discovery.

Diet

Primarily frogs, plus lizards, small mammals, and occasionally other snakes.

Hunt along wet margins and in damp leaf litter.

Behaviour

Diurnal and crepuscular; bask then hunt near water.

Usually flee when approached; flatten the neck if cornered.

How to identify

Medium to large snake with a polished black back and bright red flanks.

Smooth scales and a relatively slender build compared with taipans.

Interesting facts

01
Glossy black dorsum with red to crimson flanks and belly.
02
Venomous but generally shy and quick to retreat.
03
Specialises on frogs, plus lizards, mammals, and other snakes.
04
Gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
05
Often bask on tracks and logs near water after rain.
06
One of eastern Australia’s most familiar large snakes.

Conservation status

LC: Least Concern

Red-bellied black snakes are Least Concern across eastern Australia. Wetland drainage and persecution reduce local numbers, but the species remains widespread where frogs and cover persist.

Sources: IUCN Red List