What can you call a black-and-white male rat? - briefly
You can refer to him as a tuxedo rat. The term emphasizes his distinctive black‑and‑white coat.
What can you call a black-and-white male rat? - in detail
A male rodent exhibiting both black and white coloration can be described using several precise terms.
The scientific designation is Rattus spp., with “male” indicating sex. When emphasizing the coat pattern, the phrase “bicolor male rat” is accurate and concise. In informal contexts, the animal may be called a “black‑and‑white tom” or simply a “bicolor tom.” The word “tom” is the standard term for a male rat, analogous to “buck” in other species.
If the animal’s coloration resembles a specific pattern, additional descriptors are appropriate:
- Piebald – refers to irregular patches of white on a darker background.
- Siamese – denotes a white‑pointed pattern where the extremities are lighter.
- Mask‑marked – highlights a dark facial mask contrasting with a lighter body.
These adjectives can be combined with the sex term, for example, “bicolor male rat” or “piebald tom.”
In breeding or show environments, the animal may be listed under the registered name that includes the coat description, such as “Black‑White Male” or “Bicolor Tom.” The term “bicolor” remains the most universally understood label across scientific, hobbyist, and commercial literature.