Black-necked Spitting Cobra vs Red-bellied Black Snake
How does the Black-necked Spitting Cobra compare to the Red-bellied Black Snake? They are both members of the Elapidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Naja nigricollis
- Pseudechis porphyriacus
- Classification
- Reptile
- Reptile
- Family
- Elapidae
- Elapidae
- Habitat
- Savanna and forest edges
- Freshwater wetlands, forests, and woodlands near bodies of water
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- 6-10 years
- Weight
- 1.2–2.0 kg
- 500-1,000 grams
Black-necked Spitting Cobra vs Red-bellied Black Snake: who would win?

Black-necked Spitting Cobra
1.2–2.0 kg

Red-bellied Black Snake
500-1,000 grams
Black-necked Spitting Cobra wins moderate confidence
Black-necked Spitting Cobra is substantially heavier (1.2–2.0 kg vs 500-1,000 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are reptiles.
- Both belong to the Elapidae family.
- Both have a carnivore diet.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Savanna and forest edges vs Freshwater wetlands, forests, and woodlands near bodies of water.
- Weight: 1.2–2.0 kg vs 500-1,000 grams.
Black-necked Spitting Cobra vs Red-bellied Black Snake: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Black-necked Spitting Cobra or a Red-bellied Black Snake?
Black-necked Spitting Cobra wins. Black-necked Spitting Cobra is substantially heavier (1.2–2.0 kg vs 500-1,000 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Black-necked Spitting Cobra and a Red-bellied Black Snake?
Black-necked Spitting Cobra and Red-bellied Black Snake differ in several ways — habitat: savanna and forest edges vs freshwater wetlands, forests, and woodlands near bodies of water. weight: 1.2–2.0 kg vs 500-1,000 grams.
Do Black-necked Spitting Cobra and Red-bellied Black Snake live in the same habitat?
No — Black-necked Spitting Cobra lives in savanna and forest edges, while Red-bellied Black Snake is found in freshwater wetlands, forests, and woodlands near bodies of water.
What do Black-necked Spitting Cobra and Red-bellied Black Snake eat?
Both Black-necked Spitting Cobra and Red-bellied Black Snake have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Black-necked Spitting Cobra or the Red-bellied Black Snake?
Black-necked Spitting Cobra is listed as Least Concern, while Red-bellied Black Snake is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Black-necked Spitting Cobra and Red-bellied Black Snake?
Black-necked Spitting Cobra weighs around 1.2–2.0 kg, while Red-bellied Black Snake weighs around 500-1,000 grams.

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Black-necked Spitting Cobra

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Red-bellied Black Snake







