What are the Different Characteristics of Rats and Mice?
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Many people think that rats and mice are members of the same family and some may think that they are even the same species, because they look so similar to each other. In fact, rats and mice are members of the same family, but they are definitely not the same species; rats and mice have both very visible noticeable differences, and different characteristics that you can’t see just by looking at them. It can be difficult to compare rats and mice because there are so many different species of each. However when the two are compared, it’s usually the house mouse (Mus Musculus) with the Norway rat, or the black rat.
There are many visual characteristics of rats and mice that are very different. Rats are much larger and grow to be an average of 6 – 9 inches in length and usually weigh anywhere from 12 – 22 ounces. Mice are much smaller, and usually only grow to be 3 – 4 inches in length, and weigh only a couple of ounces at their maturity. You can also spot the difference between rats and mice by looking at their tails. Rats have very large tails that are thick and heavy, and usually about 8 inches in length on their own. Mice on the other hand, have very tiny and delicate tails that are usually about 2 – 3 inches in length.
The head and facial characteristics of mice and rats are also quite different. Rats tend to have blunter facial features that seem to be a bit squished. Rats also have shorter, pointy ears that are very small when compared with the size of their head. Mice however, have pointier faces than rats, with their features sticking out from their face quite a bit more than those of rats do. Mice also have larger ears than rats, and they are not as pointed.
The number of chromosomes each has may account for some of their differences. Rats have 22 chromosomes while mice only have 20. Rats can also be more intelligent than mice and can be much more sociable creatures. However, rats and mice themselves do not get along and if kept together, the rats might kill the mice. Many people who have both a rat infestation and a mouse problem might be pleased to find that the rats have taken care of their mice problem.
Even though there are many differences between rats and mice, they have some similarities as well. The biggest similarity between the two is in their life span. Rats and mice in the wild usually don’t live any longer than a year. When held in captivity as pets, neither has a much longer lifespan, living only about three or four years.
Accuracy Plus can help you with your rat or mice problems, contact us or give us a call at 888-675-0258 for a free pest inspection.
