What is the name for a rat that eats other rats? - briefly
A rat that preys on its own species is referred to as a cannibalistic rat, often simply called a rat cannibal.
What is the name for a rat that eats other rats? - in detail
The creature that consumes members of its own species is commonly described as a cannibalistic rat. In scientific literature the behavior is labeled intraspecific predation; the individual exhibiting it may be called an intraspecific predator or simply a rat cannibal.
Instances of this habit occur chiefly among Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and black rats (Rattus rattus) when food scarcity, high population density, or territorial disputes arise. Juvenile rats are especially prone to attack weaker littermates, a practice that can reduce competition and provide protein. Adult males sometimes kill and eat subordinate males during aggressive encounters.
Key points regarding terminology and context:
- Cannibalistic rat – general term for any rat that practices cannibalism.
- Intraspecific predator – emphasizes the predatory aspect within the same species.
- Rat cannibal – informal phrase used in wildlife reports and pest‑control literature.
The behavior is not a distinct species trait but an opportunistic feeding strategy. It is documented in laboratory studies of rodent social dynamics and in field observations of urban infestations. Understanding the terminology helps differentiate ordinary predation on other animals (e.g., birds, insects) from the specific act of consuming conspecifics.