The blue-bellied, or spotted, black snake is found in the drier inland areas of south-eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales. The body is a dark glossy black, with or without cream spots. The head is slightly distinct from the neck. The average length is around 1.25m, maximum length 2m. They are oviparous (egg-laying). The snake is shy and avoids contact with humans but when threatened will flatten its body and emit a loud whistling hiss. Average venom output of this snake is unknown. The toxicity (in mice) of blue-bellied black snake venom is the highest of any of the black snakes. Bites are infrequent and may cause severe local pain and regional lymphadenopathy. Tiger snake antivenom is the treatment of choice.