What does a house rat look like? - briefly
A house rat is a medium‑sized rodent, usually 20–25 cm long with a comparable hairless tail, covered in coarse brown‑to‑gray fur, a pointed snout, small rounded ears, and dark eyes.
What does a house rat look like? - in detail
The common house rat is a medium‑sized rodent, typically measuring 20–25 cm in body length, with a tail of comparable length that is scaly, hairless, and slightly thinner toward the tip. Body mass ranges from 200 to 500 g, depending on age and nutrition.
Key external characteristics include:
- Fur: Dense, coarse coat; coloration varies from brown‑gray to black, often with a lighter belly. Some individuals display a reddish hue on the back.
- Head: Broad and blunt, with a short, rounded snout. Eyes are relatively small, set high on the skull, providing a wide field of vision.
- Ears: Large, thin, and hairless, positioned near the top of the head; ear pinnae are capable of rotating to detect distant sounds.
- Whiskers: Long, stiff vibrissae extending from the muzzle and above the eyes, serving as tactile sensors.
- Feet: Four‑digit forepaws and five‑digit hind paws, each equipped with sharp, curved claws for climbing and digging. Pads are hairless, enhancing grip on varied surfaces.
- Tail: Segmented, covered in overlapping scales; the tail aids in balance and thermoregulation, exhibiting a uniform coloration matching the body or slightly lighter.
Morphological variations may occur among subspecies, with the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) displaying a bulkier frame and a more robust tail compared to the smaller, slender roof rat (Rattus rattus). Seasonal molting can affect fur thickness, resulting in a denser coat during colder months.
Overall, the house rat presents a compact, adaptable physique, optimized for navigating confined indoor environments while maintaining the sensory tools required for nocturnal foraging.