Ricefield Rat

About the Ricefield Rat

The ricefield rat (Rattus argentiventer) is a species of rat found throughout Southeast Asia. The ricefield rat is a medium-sized rat with a grizzled yellow-brown and black pelage. Its belly is gray in the midline with whiter flanks. The tail is uniformly medium brown. They have chisel-like incisor. The ricefield rat is between 304–400 mm (12.0–15.7 in) long with a tail length of 140–200 mm (5.5–7.9 in) and a skull length of 37–41 mm (1.5–1.6 in). The average weight of Rattus argentiventer is around 97 to 219 g (3.4 to 7.7 oz). Female have 12 mammae. Young have an orange-colored tuft in front of each ear.

The ricefield rat lives in large groups which consist of a dominant male and high ranking female. When attacked or disturbed they will make squeals and whistles sound. Rattus argentiventer's main diet includes termites, insects, grasshopper, snails, seeds, nuts, rice, vegetables, and fruits. They feed at night and move actively at dusk and dawn. During daytime, they can be seen among vegetation, weeds or maturing field. It undergoes 3 week gestation giving birth about 5 to 10 young per litter.

Savanna or grassland. Wikipedia →