Hatt's Vesper Rat

About the Hatt's Vesper Rat

Hatt's vesper rat (Otonyctomys hatti), also known as Hatt's vesper mouse or Yucatán vesper rat, is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is the only species in the genus Otonyctomys. It is named for its discoverer, Robert T. Hatt.

Hatt's vesper rat has a typical rat-like appearance, and closely resembles the related Sumichrast's vesper rat, from which it can most easily be distinguished by its much larger auditory bullae. It is relatively small for a rat, both sexes having a head body length of 9 to 12 centimetres (3.5 to 4.7 in), and a long, 6 to 13 centimetres (2.4 to 5.1 in), tail. Adults weigh from 23 to 36 grams (0.81 to 1.27 oz).

The rat is brightly coloured, with bright russet or yellowish fur over most of the body, and creamy or white underparts. The face has a short, rounded snout, and conspicuous black markings in front of the eyes, stretching as far as the whiskers. Younger individuals tend to be duller in colour, and have less glossy fur than the adults. The tail is thickly covered with brown fur along its entire length, although the ears are largely hairless. Females have four abdominal teats.

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