What does a small rat look like? - briefly
A juvenile rat measures roughly 5–7 cm (2–3 in) in body length, with a tail nearly equal or slightly longer, covered in fine brown or gray fur. It has a pointed snout, prominent whiskers, small rounded ears, and naked pink or black foot pads.
What does a small rat look like? - in detail
A small rat typically measures 5–10 cm in body length, excluding the tail, and weighs between 30 and 120 g. The body is compact, with a rounded torso supported by four short, dexterous limbs. Fur is dense, ranging from light brown to grayish‑black, often with a slightly darker dorsal stripe. The ventral side is paler, usually creamy or light gray.
The tail matches the body length or exceeds it, is hair‑less, and exhibits a scaly, somewhat ridged surface. It remains flexible, aiding balance during rapid movement. Ears are proportionally large, thin‑skinned, and positioned high on the skull, providing acute auditory perception. Eyes are small, dark, and set forward, granting a wide field of vision suited for detecting predators.
Whiskers (vibrissae) extend from the snout and cheeks, each measuring roughly half the head’s width. They serve as tactile sensors, detecting subtle changes in airflow and object proximity. The nose is pointed, moist, and equipped with a highly developed olfactory epithelium for scent detection.
Paws consist of five toes on the forefeet and four on the hind feet, each tipped with sharp, curved claws that facilitate climbing and digging. The pads are covered with fine hair, enhancing grip on various surfaces.
Color and size may vary among species:
- Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus): brown‑gray dorsal fur, larger body (up to 12 cm), robust tail.
- Black rat (Rattus rattus): darker, almost black fur, slimmer body, longer tail relative to length.
- House mouse (Mus musculus): smaller (3–5 cm), lighter fur, shorter tail, often confused with juvenile rats.
These physical traits enable small rats to navigate confined spaces, exploit diverse habitats, and maintain high reproductive efficiency.