Which animal looks like a rat but has a short tail? - briefly
A common house mouse looks like a rat but has a proportionally short tail. It belongs to the Muridae family and is distinct from true rats.
Which animal looks like a rat but has a short tail? - in detail
The creature most often mistaken for a rat because of its general shape but distinguished by a noticeably shorter tail is the common house mouse (Mus musculus). It belongs to the family Muridae, order Rodentia, and is a worldwide commensal of human dwellings.
Morphologically, the mouse measures 6–10 cm in head‑body length, whereas its tail is 5–9 cm, typically equal to or slightly shorter than the body. In contrast, a rat’s tail exceeds its body length. The mouse’s ears are proportionally larger, its snout is more pointed, and its fur is finer. These traits enable rapid identification without reference to size alone.
Behavioral traits include:
- Nocturnal foraging, primarily on grains, seeds, and insect fragments.
- High reproductive rate: gestation of 19–21 days, litter sizes of 4–12, with several litters per year.
- Strong territoriality; individuals mark pathways with urine and scent glands.
Ecologically, the house mouse thrives in temperate and subtropical regions, exploiting human structures for shelter and food. Its adaptability has led to a near‑global distribution, making it a key species in pest management and laboratory research.
Other small rodents that resemble rats but have short tails are:
- Field mouse (Apodemus spp.) – longer tail relative to body but still shorter than most rats.
- Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) – tail length roughly equal to body, with a tufted tip.
- Pocket mouse (Perognathus spp.) – very short tail, but distinct cheek pouches and sandy coloration.
Key diagnostic points for differentiating the house mouse from a rat:
- Tail length: mouse tail ≤ body length; rat tail > body length.
- Body size: mouse 6–10 cm; rat 20–30 cm.
- Ear size: mouse ears larger relative to head.
- Skull shape: mouse has a more rounded skull; rat’s is heavier and broader.
In summary, the short‑tailed rodent most commonly confused with a rat is the house mouse, identifiable by its compact body, proportionally short tail, and distinct cranial and auditory features.