General Description

Body black and shiny, underneath red to white often extending along the side. Up to 1.7 m long.

Biology

Red-bellied Black Snakes are active during the day. They are usually associated with waterways but sometimes ranging well away from these areas. During the breeding season, in spring, males compete with one another for females. The females produce up to 40 live young when they give birth. Feeds mostly on frogs but also eats reptiles and small mammals. Usually not aggressive but may strike if provoked.

Distribution

Eastern Australia from far northern Queensland to New South Wales, Victoria and south-eastern South Australia.

Habitat

Usually found foraging under rocks or timber in the vicinity of creeks, swamps, rivers or lakes.

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