What do you call a rat that eats other rats? - briefly
A rat that preys on other rats is described as a cannibalistic rat.
What do you call a rat that eats other rats? - in detail
A rat that preys on members of its own species is described as a cannibalistic rat or, more formally, an intraspecific predator. The adjective “cannibalistic” denotes the consumption of conspecifics, while “intraspecific” specifies that the predation occurs within the same species.
The behavior occurs under conditions of food scarcity, high population density, or stress. Laboratory studies of Rattus norvegicus have documented juveniles attacking and ingesting littermates when protein supplies are limited. In wild populations, opportunistic cannibalism has been observed during winter when external resources dwindle.
Biological terminology distinguishes several related concepts:
- Cannibalism – the act of eating individuals of the same species.
- Predatory cannibalism – active hunting of conspecifics, as opposed to opportunistic scavenging.
- Intraspecific predation – a broader term encompassing any predatory interaction among members of the same species, including egg or pup consumption.
Usage in scientific literature typically favors “cannibalistic” when describing the trait (e.g., “cannibalistic behavior in laboratory rats”), whereas “intraspecific predator” appears in ecological models that examine population dynamics.
Key points:
- The label applies regardless of age; both juvenile and adult rats can exhibit the behavior.
- Environmental stressors, such as limited food or overcrowding, increase the frequency of occurrences.
- Observations have been recorded in both domesticated strains and wild Rattus species.
Therefore, the appropriate designation for a rat that consumes other rats is “cannibalistic rat,” with “intraspecific predator” serving as a precise scientific alternative.