What is a rat called? - briefly
«Rat» denotes any species of the genus Rattus, a medium‑sized rodent of the Muridae family. The most widespread species are the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black rat (Rattus rattus).
What is a rat called? - in detail
Rats are commonly referred to as “rats,” a term that designates several species within the genus Rattus. The most widely recognized species are the black rat (Rattus rattus) and the brown rat, also called the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). Scientific classification places these mammals in the order Rodentia, family Muridae, subfamily Murinae.
Regional and informal names vary. Common alternatives include:
- water rat – often applied to species inhabiting wetlands
- barn rat – used for populations found in agricultural buildings
- ship rat – denotes rats that frequently board vessels
- sewer rat – refers to urban rats occupying drainage systems
In professional contexts, the term “rat” may be qualified by species name, such as “Rattus rattus” for the black rat, to avoid ambiguity with similarly sized rodents. Distinction from mice is based on size, tail length, and cranial features; mice belong to the genus Mus, whereas rats belong to Rattus.
Biological literature employs the Latin binomial for precise identification, while pest‑control industries prefer the generic term for communication with the public. Culinary references, particularly in cultures that consume rodent meat, also use the common name, sometimes specifying “brown rat” or “black rat” to indicate species.
Overall, the name applied to these rodents encompasses a range of species, regional descriptors, and context‑specific qualifiers, all anchored by the scientific designation Rattus.