What are male rats called? - briefly
Male rats are referred to as bucks. The term “buck” distinguishes them from female rats, which are called does.
What are male rats called? - in detail
Male rats are commonly called “bucks.” In laboratory settings the term “stud” may be used for a male selected for breeding, while “male rat” remains a straightforward descriptor in scientific literature.
The designation varies by context:
- General usage: “Buck” is the standard vernacular term for an adult male rodent of the genus Rattus.
- Breeding programs: “Stud” identifies a male approved for mating due to desirable genetic traits.
- Scientific writing: Authors often employ “male” or “male specimen” to avoid ambiguity.
Taxonomically, the species Rattus norvegicus (Norway rat) and Rattus rattus (black rat) follow the same gender terminology. Morphologically, adult males typically exhibit larger body size, more pronounced scent glands, and higher testosterone levels than females, traits that influence the choice of terminology in research.
In pest control literature, the term “buck” appears alongside “doe” for females, mirroring the nomenclature used for other mammals such as deer and rabbits. This consistency aids communication among biologists, veterinarians, and exterminators.
Overall, “buck,” “stud,” and the plain phrase “male rat” constitute the accepted names for adult male members of the rat species, each applied according to the specific professional or colloquial setting.