What is a very large rat called? - briefly
«Giant rat» is the informal designation for unusually large murids, while the term “largest living rodent” applies to species such as the capybara, which far exceeds typical rat dimensions.
What is a very large rat called? - in detail
The common designation for an unusually massive rodent of the genus Rattus is «giant rat». In scientific literature the term applies to several species that exceed the size of typical brown or black rats.
- Giant African pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus) – body length up to 30 cm, tail an additional 30 cm, weight up to 1.5 kg. Native to sub‑Saharan Africa, it possesses large cheek pouches used for food transport. Frequently employed in research and detection work because of its size and keen olfactory abilities.
- Norwegian rat (Rattus norvegicus) – often reaches 500 g, body length 20–25 cm, tail 15–20 cm. The largest of the common urban rats, widespread across temperate regions. Adaptable diet includes grains, waste, and small vertebrates.
- Polynesian rat (Rattus exulans) – smaller on average, but island populations can attain greater mass due to reduced predation, occasionally approaching 250 g.
- Giant Himalayan rat (Niviventer niviventer) – found in mountainous forests of South Asia, body length up to 28 cm, weight up to 350 g. Distinctive for its dense fur and robust skull.
These species share characteristics that justify the label «giant rat»: increased body mass, longer tails, and more pronounced cranial features compared with the standard house rat. The designation is not a formal taxonomic rank; it functions as a descriptive term in both scientific and colloquial contexts.