What does a black rat look like? - briefly
The black rat (Rattus rattus) is a medium‑sized rodent with a sleek, dark‑brown to almost black coat, a pointed snout, relatively large ears, and a long, hairless tail that exceeds the body length. Its eyes are small and dark, and the hind feet are modest in size compared with the overall body.
What does a black rat look like? - in detail
The black rat, Rattus rattus, presents a uniformly dark coat that ranges from deep brown‑black to a glossy, almost sable hue. Fur is dense, short, and lies close to the body, giving a sleek appearance. The species typically measures 20–25 cm in head‑body length, with an additional tail length of 18–24 cm that is proportionally long, slender, and naked, often appearing slightly darker than the body coat. Ears are relatively large, rounded, and lack hair on the outer surface, contrasting with the smooth fur. Eyes are medium‑sized, dark‑brown, and positioned laterally, providing a wide field of vision. Whiskers are long, white‑to‑pale, extending well beyond the snout, aiding tactile navigation. Feet are dark, with five toes on each hind foot; the soles are hairless, and the claws are sharp, adapted for climbing and digging.
Key morphological traits:
- Head‑body length: 20–25 cm
- Tail length: 18–24 cm, naked, slightly darker
- Coat: short, dense, uniformly dark brown‑black
- Ears: large, rounded, hairless exterior
- Eyes: dark‑brown, laterally placed
- Whiskers: long, pale, prominent
- Feet: dark, hairless soles, five toes per hind foot
Distinguishing characteristics separate this species from the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). The black rat’s tail is thinner and lacks the coarse hair fringe found on the brown rat. Its body is more compact, and the ears are proportionally larger relative to head size. The overall coloration remains consistently darker, whereas the brown rat displays a more varied brown‑gray palette. These features facilitate reliable identification in field observations and pest‑management contexts.