The Spotted Black Snake otherwise known as the Blue-Bellied Black Snake is a close relative of the more well known Red-Bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus). Spotted Black Snakes are a highly venomous elapid species that grow to around 1.5m in length.
The Spotted Black Snake
Spotted Black Snakes can be variable in colour with some individuals being completely black and others being lighter shades of brown, grey or even red.
Often they are speckled or spotted as their name suggests but others may be entirely patternless.
They like to eat a varied diet of other snakes, lizards, small mammals and frogs.
If you want to see a Spotted Black Snake in the wild they can be found from the Central-West of NSW up to South-East QLD, west of the coastal ranges. Being a highly venomous species though, you should never attempt to handle or interfere with one but observe safely at a distance.
Just like any snake, the Spotted Black Snake will not go out of its way to harm a person, so if you leave it alone it will leave you alone.
When threatened they will flatten out their neck much like a cobra. By doing this they make themselves look bigger in the hopes that their perceived attacker may go away.
Unlike their Red-Bellied cousins, Spotted Black Snakes are egg layers, having an average of 12 eggs in a clutch. Approximately 3 months after the eggs are laid the juvenile snakes will hatch and as is usual with snakes will be completely independent from day one.
Snakes are an important part of the ecosystems they belong to. I don’t expect everyone to love them as much as I do but a healthy respect and an understanding that they have a place in this world is a great thing.
If you have a snake in your home that needs to be removed do not attempt to harm the snake or interfere with it yourself but call a professional snake catcher such as myself to remove it safely for you.
This way you aren’t putting yourself in any danger and the best interests of the snake can be met also.
Stay safe and be nice to snakes.
TROY – 0404 109 421
Troy Hovenden is a fully licensed and insured snake catcher servicing The Blue Mountains and Penrith areas. Fees apply.
Web: www.thereptilebloke.com.au
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