Black snake usually refers to the red-bellied black snake in Australia. Most of these black snakes live in coastal areas from northern Queensland to South Australia. The snakes are shiny black above and pink to crimson below. Most of them grow to about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long, but some grow to nearly 8 1/4 feet (2.5 meters). They usually live near swamps or streams and feed mainly on frogs. An average of 20 young are born alive, usually between January and March. Red-bellied black snakes are venomous, but their bites are seldom fatal. The snakes are normally shy and inoffensive.
