What are giant rats called? - briefly
The term most often applied to oversized rat species is «Megalomys», an extinct genus of large Caribbean rats. Contemporary large rodents resembling giant rats belong to other genera, such as the cane rat (Thryonomys).
What are giant rats called? - in detail
Giant rodents are most often referred to by the taxonomic designation «Megalomys». The genus includes several extinct species that reached body masses of up to 5 kg, far larger than typical house rats. Examples include «Megalomys desmarestii» from Martinique and «Megalomys audreyae» from Antigua. In modern zoology, the term «giant rat» also applies to unusually large individuals of the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) that can exceed 0.5 kg and display a length of 30 cm plus tail.
In folklore and popular culture, oversized rats acquire specific names:
- «Megal rat» – generic label for any rat significantly larger than the average species.
- «Rat king» – historical phenomenon describing a cluster of rats whose tails become tangled together; occasionally portrayed as a monstrous creature.
- «Giant sewer rat» – colloquial term for exceptionally large urban rats, often cited in media reports.
Scientific classification distinguishes these forms:
- Genus Megalomys – extinct Caribbean megafauna, characterized by robust skulls and enlarged molars.
- Species Rattus norvegicus (brown rat) – extant, widely distributed; size variation results from abundant food sources and reduced predation.
- Species Rattus rattus (black rat) – smaller average size, but can produce oversized specimens under favorable conditions.
Ecological impact varies with size. Larger specimens consume greater quantities of vegetation and waste, potentially altering urban ecosystems. In prehistoric islands, megafaunal rats contributed to seed dispersal and soil turnover, influencing plant community dynamics.
The nomenclature therefore depends on context: paleontological literature prefers «Megalomys», while contemporary reports and entertainment media favor «giant rat», «megal rat», or «rat king» to describe unusually large murine individuals.