What is a female rat called? - briefly
A female rat is referred to as a doe. This term distinguishes her from a male rat, which is called a buck.
What is a female rat called? - in detail
The term applied to an adult female of the species Rattus is “doe.” In rodent nomenclature the male counterpart is called a “buck,” while juveniles are referred to as “pups.” The usage mirrors that of other small mammals, such as rabbits, where the same gender‑specific words are employed.
The designation originates from traditional English hunting language, where “doe” denotes a female of various game species. Over time, zoological texts and laboratory manuals adopted the term for rats, providing a concise way to differentiate sexes without resorting to generic descriptors.
In scientific contexts the sex of a rat is often recorded as “F” for female and “M” for male, but when narrative description is required, “doe” remains the preferred label. Breeding records, behavioral studies, and veterinary reports commonly use the term to indicate reproductive status, hormonal cycles, and maternal behavior.
Key points about female rats:
- Reproductive anatomy includes ovaries, a uterus, and mammary glands, enabling litter production after a gestation period of roughly 21 days.
- Behavioral traits differ from males; does typically exhibit nesting behavior, increased grooming, and maternal aggression when caring for pups.
- In laboratory settings, females may be selected for experiments involving hormonal cycles, as the estrous cycle influences physiological responses.
Understanding and employing the correct gender‑specific terminology ensures precision in research documentation, pest control communication, and animal husbandry. The word “doe” thus serves as the standard, concise identifier for an adult female rat.