What is the name of the creature that looks like a rat with a short tail? - briefly
It is a hamster, a small rodent with a stubby tail that resembles a rat.
What is the name of the creature that looks like a rat with a short tail? - in detail
The creature that resembles a rat yet has an extremely short tail is the hamster. Hamsters belong to the subfamily Cricetinae within the family Cricetidae and are classified as small rodents. Their bodies are compact, with a stout build, rounded ears, and a tail that measures only a few centimeters—often hidden beneath the fur.
Physical traits
- Length: 5–18 cm (body only)
- Tail: 0.5–2 cm, often concealed
- Weight: 20–200 g, depending on species
- Fur: varies from sandy to dark brown, sometimes with distinctive markings
Habitat and distribution
- Native regions: arid and semi‑arid zones of Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia
- Typical environments: steppes, deserts, and cultivated fields
- Adaptations: cheek pouches for storing food, nocturnal activity to avoid daytime heat
Behavioral characteristics
- Diet: omnivorous, consuming seeds, grains, insects, and occasional vegetation
- Reproduction: short gestation (≈16 days), large litters (4–12 offspring)
- Social structure: generally solitary, with occasional pair bonding during breeding season
Common species
- Syrian (golden) hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) – popular as a pet, larger size, golden coat
- Dwarf hamsters (e.g., Campbell’s, Phodopus campbelli) – smaller, more agile, often kept in groups
Distinguishing factors from rats
- Tail length: rats possess long, hairless tails up to 20 cm, while hamsters have vestigial tails
- Body shape: hamsters have a more rounded, compact silhouette compared to the elongated form of rats
- Cheek pouch development: hamsters feature prominent expandable pouches absent in typical rats
Overall, hamsters are the small rodents that match the description of a rat‑like animal with a markedly reduced tail, distinguished by their morphology, habitat preferences, and behavioral patterns.