The Scientific Difference Between Norway Rats And Roof Rats

Unlike the roof rat the norway rat the species with the scientific name rattus norvegicus prefers to be underground but can be found in a variety of places including under buildings in dumps and on farms.

The scientific difference between norway rats and roof rats.

Roof rats have black fur with pale underbellies while norway rats have brownish gray coats. The black rat rattus rattus also known as ship rat roof rat or house rat is a common long tailed rodent of the stereotypical rat genus rattus in the subfamily murinae. Roof rats are not as common as norway rats. They re typically found within 100 miles of the gulf coastline or the coastline of the western united states.

It is a generalist omnivore and a serious pest to farmers because it. The black rat is black to light brown in colour with a lighter underside. Their equally unwelcome relatives norway rats rattus norvegicus patrol basements and lower levels of buildings sewers and subways. Another way to differentiate between the two rodents is size.

Thus a difference between roof rats and norway rats is habitat preference in addition to variations in physical appearance and behavioral characteristics. Also called the black rat ship rat or old english rat the roof rat measures 6 8 inches long and has a tail that s slightly longer than its body. Adult roof rats measure about eight inches in length while norway rats can be up to ten inches long. If you spot either a roof rat or a norway rat you should be able to tell which is which relatively easily.

It likely originated in the indian subcontinent but is now found worldwide.