Rattus rattus
Other Names: Alexandrian rat, black rat, fruit rat and ship rat.
Body. Body is slender, 6 ½ to 8 inches (17 to 20cm) long. Average weight is 6 to 12 ounces (170 to 340 g).
Color. Varies from black to brownish-gray. The underside varies from gray to white.
Nose.
Nose and muzzle are pointed. Roof rats have an acute sense of smell.
Habits.
Able to swing, jump and climb, roof rats usually enter and nest in upper portions of buildings. May nest outside in trees (especially palm), ivy and similar vegetation. Burrow very little. Nocturnal. Most activity and feeding takes place between a half-hour after sunset and a half-hour before sunrise. Strong social hierarchy.
Teeth.
The gnaw pattern of rats is 1/8 inch. Rats are able to gnaw through wood, lead, aluminum, copper, cinder block and uncured concrete.
Tail.
Hairless and longer than the head and body-7 ½ to 10 inches (19 to 25 cm) long. Uniform color from top to underside.
Ears.
Ears are large and cover the eyes if bent forward.
Eyes.
Eyes are large and prominent. Because rats are colorblind and have poor eyesight, they primarily see light, shadow and movement.
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