Pest Guides

Black Rat

Rattus rattus

Appearance

Black Rat
  • 16 – 24 cm in length, with a tail longer than the head and body.
  • 150 – 200g in weight.
  • Pointed nose, large ears and a slender body when compared to the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus).

Lifecycle

  • 5 – 10 young per litter; 3 – 6 litters a year.
  • Gestation period of about 3 weeks.
  • 12 – 16 weeks from birth to sexual maturity.

Habits

  • Rare in the [enter your country name]. Appearance confined mainly to ports.
  • Often climbs, agile, rarely burrowing and rarely outdoors in [enter your country name].
  • Preferred food is moist fruits.
  • Will eat around 15g of food a day and drink 15ml.