What is the name of a rat with a long tail? - briefly
The species commonly identified as a rat with a tail longer than its body is the black rat, Rattus rattus.
What is the name of a rat with a long tail? - in detail
The species most commonly identified by a notably elongated tail is the brown rat, scientifically Rattus norvegicus. It belongs to the Muridae family and is the largest of the true rats. Adult individuals typically measure 20–25 cm in body length, while the tail extends an additional 18–25 cm, often exceeding the body length.
Key characteristics:
- Tail proportion: tail length 100–120 % of head‑body length, covered with sparse, fine hairs.
- Coloration: dark brown to black dorsal fur, lighter gray‑white ventral side.
- Size: weight ranges from 250 g to 500 g; body mass larger than that of the common house mouse.
- Habitat: urban sewers, agricultural fields, and coastal areas worldwide.
- Diet: omnivorous; consumes grains, fruits, insects, and human waste.
- Reproduction: prolific breeder, gestation ~21 days, litters of 6–12 pups.
- Behavior: nocturnal, highly adaptable, capable of swimming and climbing.
The tail serves multiple functions: it provides balance during climbing, acts as a thermoregulatory organ through vasodilation, and aids in spatial orientation when navigating narrow passages. Compared with the smaller black rat (Rattus rattus), the brown rat’s tail is proportionally longer and more robust, making it the primary example when referencing a rat distinguished by an extended tail.