Ricefield rat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ricefield rat |
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Rattus
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| Species: |
argentiventer
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The ricefield rat (Rattus argentiventer) is a type of rat found across Southeast Asia. These rats are well-known for living in rice fields, which is how they got their name!
Contents
What Does the Ricefield Rat Look Like?
The ricefield rat is a medium-sized rat. Its fur is a mix of yellow-brown and black, giving it a "grizzled" look. The fur on its belly is gray in the middle and whiter on its sides. Its tail is a plain medium brown color.
These rats have strong, chisel-like front teeth. A ricefield rat can be about 30 to 40 centimeters (12 to 16 inches) long, including its tail. Its tail alone is usually 14 to 20 centimeters (5.5 to 8 inches) long. An average ricefield rat weighs between 97 and 219 grams (about 3.4 to 7.7 ounces). Female rats have 12 teats. Young rats have a small orange tuft of fur in front of each ear.
How Do Ricefield Rats Behave?
Ricefield rats often live in large groups. These groups usually have a main male and several high-ranking females. If they feel threatened or bothered, they will make squealing and whistling sounds.
What Do They Eat?
Ricefield rats eat many different things. Their diet includes termites, insects, grasshoppers, and snails. They also enjoy seeds, nuts, rice, vegetables, and fruits. They mostly look for food at night. They are very active during dusk (evening) and dawn (morning). During the day, you might spot them hiding among plants, weeds, or in fields where crops are growing.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Female ricefield rats are pregnant for about three weeks. After this time, they give birth to a litter of about 5 to 10 young rats.
Where Do Ricefield Rats Live?
Ricefield rats are found in many parts of Southeast Asia. This includes countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Guinea. They are a common sight in rice fields across these areas.
Habitats They Prefer
Where Can You Find Ricefield Rats?
You can find the ricefield rat all over Southeast Asia. This includes the Indochina region, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Guinea. They are a major pest in rice fields in these areas.
In Cambodia, ricefield rats are not a common food for people. However, there is a growing market for them, especially for export to Vietnam. The best time to catch rats is after the rice harvest in June and July. At this time, there is less food for the rats. Also, seasonal rains force the rats to move to higher ground. This is where traps are often set to catch them.
