What is a large rat called? - briefly
A large rat is commonly referred to as a “giant rat,” a term applied to unusually sized species such as the Bosavi woolly rat. The designation distinguishes these specimens from typical house rats.
What is a large rat called? - in detail
An oversized member of the genus Rattus is commonly referred to as a “giant rat.” In everyday language the term applies to several species whose size exceeds that of typical house rats.
- Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) – also called the Norway rat, sewer rat, or common rat. Adults weigh 300–500 g and measure up to 40 cm in body length, with a tail of similar length. Its robust build and adaptability to urban environments make it the most frequently encountered large rat.
- Black rat (Rattus rattus) – smaller than the brown rat but can reach 250 g and 30 cm body length. When individuals grow toward the upper size range they are sometimes labeled “large black rat.”
- Giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus) – native to sub‑Saharan Africa, reaches 1 kg and 70 cm total length. Though not a true Rattus species, it is commonly called an African giant rat because of its size and rat‑like appearance.
- Cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) – a large African rodent, up to 4 kg, occasionally referred to as a giant rat in vernacular usage, though taxonomically it belongs to the family Thryonomyidae.
Key characteristics distinguishing these larger rodents include:
- Body mass – exceeds 250 g, often approaching 500 g or more for the brown rat.
- Length – total length (head‑body plus tail) over 30 cm.
- Skull and dentition – proportionally larger skull, stronger incisors suited for gnawing tougher material.
- Habitat flexibility – ability to thrive in sewers, basements, agricultural fields, and, for some species, forested areas.
The label “giant rat” therefore serves as a collective term for any rat‑sized rodent that surpasses average dimensions, most often applied to the brown rat and, in a broader sense, to the African giant pouched rat.