How does a snake‑rat look? - briefly
The snake‑rat is a diminutive rodent with a sleek, elongated body and a long, flexible tail that tapers like a serpent, both covered in glossy, dark‑brown fur; its head features a pointed snout, small rounded ears, and beady black eyes. Its limbs are short but sturdy, ending in sharp claws adapted for climbing and burrowing.
How does a snake‑rat look? - in detail
The snake‑rat is a small, elongated rodent characterized by a slender body and a long, tapering tail that resembles a reptile’s spine. Adult individuals measure 10–15 cm in head‑body length, with tails extending an additional 12–18 cm, giving the animal a total length of up to 30 cm. The coat consists of fine, silky fur covering the dorsal surface, typically gray‑brown to dark brown, while the ventral side displays a lighter, creamy hue. Fur density is lower on the tail, exposing a thin layer of skin that is smooth and glossy.
Key visual components include:
- Head: Narrow, triangular skull with a pointed snout; eyes are small, dark, and positioned laterally; ears are reduced to barely visible ridges.
- Mouth: Equipped with sharp, interlocking incisors and a set of small cheek teeth adapted for gnawing.
- Limbs: Forelimbs and hindlimbs are short, each bearing five clawed digits; the limbs are positioned low on the torso, facilitating a serpentine locomotion.
- Tail: Muscular, virtually hairless, covered with overlapping scales that grant flexibility and aid in balance.
- Skin: The ventral skin is pinkish, thin, and slightly translucent, allowing visibility of underlying vasculature.
Overall, the creature’s morphology combines rodent features—such as dentition and fur—with a reptilian‑like tail, producing a distinctive silhouette that is both agile and streamlined.