What do male rats look like? - briefly
Male rats are generally larger than females, with broader heads, larger ears, and more pronounced anogenital scent glands. Their fur is usually brown, gray, or black, and a visible scrotum distinguishes them from females.
What do male rats look like? - in detail
Male rats possess a compact body ranging from 20 to 30 cm in total length, including a tail that matches or slightly exceeds body length. The head is triangular, with prominent, rounded ears that extend about one‑third of the skull width. Eyes are relatively small, dark, and positioned laterally, providing a wide field of vision.
Fur covers the dorsal surface in shades that vary from brown, gray, or black to a lighter ventral side. The dorsal pelage may exhibit a glossy sheen, while the ventral fur is softer and paler. Whiskers (vibrissae) are long, stiff, and arranged in several rows on the snout, aiding tactile navigation.
The tail is hairless, tapered, and covered with fine scales; it functions as a balance organ and thermoregulatory surface. Limbs are short but muscular, ending in five toes per hind foot and four per forefoot, each bearing sharp, curved claws for climbing and digging.
Sexual dimorphism is subtle but observable. Male individuals display a larger, more pronounced anogenital region, with a visible scrotum that houses paired testes. The presence of a larger, slightly broader snout and more robust body mass may also differentiate males from females.
Key visual characteristics:
- Body length: 20‑30 cm (including tail)
- Tail length: equal to or slightly longer than body, hairless, scaly
- Fur coloration: dorsal brown/gray/black, ventral lighter
- Ears: rounded, proportionate to head width
- Whiskers: long, densely packed on snout
- Limbs: short, muscular, clawed digits
- Male‑specific trait: prominent scrotal sac and larger anogenital area
These features collectively define the external appearance of adult male rats.