#31 Red-bellied Black Snakes

Snakes are mobile again after emerging from winter rest (brumation) and are actively hunting and preparing to breed. Red-bellied Black Snakes are one of the most commonly encountered snakes of the Hunter Valley.

A Red-bellied Black Snake slithers off into the leaf litter of the Barrington Tops NP rainforest

'Hibernation' in reptiles is called brumation - it is different from hibernation in mammals in that the reptile is not living off its fat reserves. Instead, its metabolism, which is temperature dependent, has slowed down so much because of the cold that it hardly uses any energy over the course of winter. The reptile is still awake and still active (although very sluggish), but it actually doesn’t lose any significant weight during the winter.

The Red-bellied Black Snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus, is from family Elapidae. Elapids are venomous snakes having permanently erect fangs in the front of the upper jaw.

Features of Red-bellied Black Snakes

Although the sudden sighting of a snake always gets my adrenalin racing through a healthy dose of fear, I can't help but admire the beauty of this reptile. As seen in my first picture of a Red-bellied Black Snake, the dorsal colour is a uniform glossy black. The belly is cream to pink with red flanks, and the snout is often brown.

1.5 to 2 metres is a common length, but there have been specimens recorded up to 2.5 metres long. Although a bite from a Red-bellied Black snake is venomous, it rarely results in the death of a human.

This species is not renowned for being aggressive and is quick to retreat if disturbed. I have encountered them basking beside clumps of thick ground-hugging vegetation and on walking trails, and they have always been swift to disappear.

A 1.2 metre Red-bellied Black Snake hastily retreats to the safety of thicker vegetation when I encounter it basking by the Hunter River

When approached or provoked, the Red-bellied Black Snake can recoil into a striking stance as a threat and flatten its head similar to that of a Cobra. It can also hiss loudly, but will try to escape at the first opportunity. When cornered, or if a person is attempting to kill or capture the snake, it may strike and bite.

This startled Red-belly flattened its head and looked threatening when I encountered it in thick grass. I stood still (photographing), and the snake moved away swiftly.

During mating season, males have been seen engaged in vigorous combat where they raise their bodies, intertwined in a struggle of strength. Biting does not occur, but the strongest snake will displace the rival courting male.

Mating season begins in spring, and an average of 12 young are produced between January and March. Red-bellied Black Snakes are viviparous (bearing live young). These are enclosed in clear membranous sacs from which they emerge shortly after birth. Average length at birth is 22cm, and young disperse after a few weeks. A baby's bite is as toxic as the parents', with well-developed venom glands from birth.

Habitat, range and prey

The Red-bellied Black Snake is widespread along Australia's east coast and ranges from north Queensland, through NSW and Victoria, into south-eastern SA. It is not found in Tasmania which I find surprising as it is suited to cool climates.

It's preferred habitat is swamps, riverbanks and the edges of damp forests. Whenever I have seen Red-bellied Black Snakes, they have been within 50 metres of a watercourse.

Frogs are their preferred prey, but they will eat reptiles and small mammals. They are able swimmers and therefore fish and eels are also on the menu.

An Eastern Brown Snake and Red-bellied Black Snake seen basking in the winter sun together presents a rare and odd sight. Both of these snakes were displaced from their winter shelters by the flooding Hunter River and took temporary shelter together in the in-ground telecommunications pit in front of my house. They will tolerate each other as they are cold and sluggish and unlikely to eat during winter. They have since moved on, together with a Blue Tongue Lizard and another Eastern Brown Snake that were also sharing the pit.

Populations have apparently declined dramatically in Qld and northern NSW, which has been attributed to the spread of the toxic introduced Cane Toad. Degredation of waterways has also contributed to the decline of Red-bellied Black Snakes.

Red-bellies are known to be canabalistic. They are also one of the Eastern Brown Snakes, (Pseudonaja textilis) major predators, keeping their numbers in check.

When encountered, the Red-bellied Black Snake will usually retreat swiftly without threat.

There are plenty of reasons to resist picking up a shovel when you encounter a Red-bellied Black Snake, the most relavent of which is that humans should respect the life and habitat of native wildlife. Snakes, like all other creatures, are a vital part of the big picture.

If you require a snake to be removed from your living space or work place, wildlife carers or NPWS should be able to put you in contact with a trained snake rescuer. With awareness and education, it is hoped that people will be more tolerant and understanding of snakes. Red-bellied Black Snakes are not aggressive unless provoked, and will avoid humans when ever possible.