What does the largest rat look like? - briefly
The biggest known rat, the Bosavi woolly rat (Leopoldamys spp.), reaches about 82 cm in total length and weighs roughly 1.5 kg. It exhibits dense, coarse brownish fur, a broad head, and a long, sparsely haired tail.
What does the largest rat look like? - in detail
The biggest known rat species is the Bosavi woolly rat (Mallomys spp.) discovered in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Adults reach a total length of 70–82 cm, including a tail that measures 30–45 cm. Body mass commonly exceeds 1 kg, with some individuals recorded at 1.4 kg.
- Fur: dense, coarse, gray‑brown to reddish‑brown; length up to 5 mm, providing insulation in cool mountain environments.
- Head: broad skull with pronounced zygomatic arches; incisors large, orange‑yellow, continuously growing.
- Eyes: relatively small, set high on the skull, adapted for low‑light conditions.
- Ears: short, rounded, covered by fur, reducing heat loss.
- Limbs: robust fore‑ and hind‑feet, each bearing five clawed toes; hind limbs slightly longer, supporting powerful jumps.
- Tail: moderately furred, tapering, used for balance rather than arboreal grasping.
The animal’s coloration blends with the forest floor, aiding camouflage among leaf litter and moss. Its size surpasses that of typical Rattus species by a factor of three to four in both length and weight. Skeletal structure shows reinforced vertebrae and enlarged pelvic girdle, accommodating the greater mass. The combination of thick pelage, sturdy build, and pronounced dental apparatus defines the visual profile of the largest rat currently documented.