Photo of Animalia: Red-bellied Black Snake (species: Pseudechis porphyriacus)

Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)

© Tony Rodd

Beresfield, about 20 km north-west of Newcastle, New South Wales. I was lucky find this snake coiled and resting like this in the middle of the day. I got off two good shots before it suddenly uncoiled itself and slid away rapidly. They are one of the most common snakes in coastal eastern Australia, growing to around 2 metres long and equally at home on land and in shallow water. They feed mostly on frogs and tadpoles. Very timid, they rarely attack humans and their bite has rarely proved fatal.

Photo taken on 30 Apr 2009