Pseudechis porphyriacus

Red-bellied Black Snake at undefined

Pseudechis porphyriacus at undefined - 6 Nov 2018
Pseudechis porphyriacus at undefined - 6 Nov 2018
Pseudechis porphyriacus at undefined - 6 Nov 2018
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Identification history

Pseudechis porphyriacus 6 Nov 2018 PatrickCampbell
Pseudechis porphyriacus 6 Nov 2018 IanS
Pseudechis porphyriacus 5 Nov 2018 PatrickCampbell
Unidentified 5 Nov 2018 IanS

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Approx 1.2 length

6 comments

   6 Nov 2018
I reckon it's a Red-bellied Black Snake, despite the lack of red colouring on the lower flanks. It was probably in pre-slough phase, when colours are greatly subdued. Did you happen to notice if it had milky eyes? Do you have any other photos of it?
IanS wrote:
   6 Nov 2018
No, did not notice if it had milky eyes. It is very shy & slithers away quickly as soon as it hears the camera shutter. It does seem to emerge late afternoon, presumably to warm up on the rocks before hunting. I will try to get additional photos.
   6 Nov 2018
Thanks Ian.
IanS wrote:
   7 Nov 2018
I have just taken additional shots & these clearly show red scales on the belly. The eye looks quite dark and not milky. Is it possible to post another photo to this sighting to confirm? Or I should I create a new sighting?
IanS wrote:
   7 Nov 2018
I've worked it out & have added two more pictures. Think these will enable positive ID.
   7 Nov 2018
Thanks for the additional photos Ian. It's definitely a Red-bellied Black Snake.
It still may slough soon, as the eyes clear up a day or two before shedding their skin (the eyes are most milky several days before sloughing). One can certainly see the red colouration (albeit dull) better in the addition pics.

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