What is a wild rat called? - briefly
A non‑domesticated rat is usually called a field rat or, for the common species, a Norway rat. These terms refer to members of the genus Rattus that live outdoors.
What is a wild rat called? - in detail
The term applied to a free‑living rodent of the genus Rattus varies according to species, geography, and habitat. In scientific contexts the animal is identified by its binomial name, while common language often uses generic labels such as “wild rat” or “field rat.”
The two most widespread species are:
- Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) – also called the brown rat; native to Eurasia, now global; prefers sewers, basements, and agricultural fields; average body length 20–25 cm, tail of similar length; omnivorous diet.
- Black rat (Rattus rattus) – known as the ship rat; originally from South Asia, spread through maritime trade; favors higher elevations, attics, and forest edges; smaller body (15–20 cm) with longer tail; more arboreal than its counterpart.
Other regional taxa include:
- Polynesian rat (Rattus exulans) – smallest of the genus; inhabits Pacific islands; associated with human settlements and coastal vegetation.
- Roof rat (Rattus rattus) – synonym for black rat in many locales; distinguished by sleek coat and agile climbing ability.
Taxonomic classification places these mammals in:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Muridae
- Genus: Rattus
Key characteristics of wild representatives:
- High reproductive rate: gestation ~21 days, litters of 5–12 pups.
- Adaptability to diverse environments, from urban infrastructure to rural fields.
- Omnivorous feeding habits, allowing exploitation of human waste, crops, and natural seed sources.
- Disease vectors: capable of carrying pathogens such as Leptospira, hantavirus, and Yersinia pestis.
In summary, the appropriate designation for a non‑domestic rat depends on the specific species, with Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus accounting for the majority of global populations. Scientific nomenclature provides precise identification, while colloquial terms remain broad and context‑dependent.