Which is larger, a rat or a snake? - briefly
Snakes are typically longer than rats, though certain rat species can be heavier than small snakes. The overall size comparison depends on the specific species involved.
Which is larger, a rat or a snake? - in detail
Rats and snakes vary widely in size, so a direct comparison requires reference to typical adult specimens of common species.
A standard laboratory or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) reaches a body length of 20–25 cm, with a tail adding another 15–20 cm. Adult weight usually falls between 300 and 500 g, though large individuals can exceed 600 g.
Snakes encompass a broad range of lengths. The smallest adult snakes, such as the threadsnake (Leptotyphlops spp.), measure 10–15 cm and weigh less than 1 g. Medium-sized snakes, exemplified by the corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus), attain lengths of 120–180 cm and weigh 200–500 g. Large constrictors, including the Burmese python (Python bivittatus), regularly exceed 300 cm in length and can weigh 30–90 kg. Even the longest serpents, like the reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus), may surpass 600 cm and approach 150 kg.
From these data:
- Small snakes are shorter and lighter than an average rat.
- Medium snakes overlap the rat’s weight range but are longer.
- Large snakes are both longer and substantially heavier than any rat.
Consequently, when considering typical adult specimens, most snakes that are not among the smallest species surpass a rat in overall size, while the tiniest snakes remain smaller. The definitive answer depends on the specific snake species being compared.