Another way to differentiate between the two rodents is size.
The scientific difference between norway rats and roof rats.
It likely originated in the indian subcontinent but is now found worldwide.
The black rat is black to light brown in colour with a lighter underside.
Unlike the roof rat the norway rat the species with the scientific name rattus norvegicus prefers to be underground but can be found in a variety of places including under buildings in dumps and on farms.
Thus a difference between roof rats and norway rats is habitat preference in addition to variations in physical appearance and behavioral characteristics.
The black rat rattus rattus also known as ship rat roof rat or house rat is a common long tailed rodent of the stereotypical rat genus rattus in the subfamily murinae.
This type of rat is also called many other names including a brown rat sewer rat common rat street rat or wharf rat.
They re typically found within 100 miles of the gulf coastline or the coastline of the western united states.
Their equally unwelcome relatives norway rats rattus norvegicus patrol basements and lower levels of buildings sewers and subways.
Additionally the roof rat typically has a much longer tail.
It is a generalist omnivore and a serious pest to farmers because it.
Adult roof rats measure about eight inches in length while norway rats can be up to ten inches long.
Roof rats have black fur with pale underbellies while norway rats have brownish gray coats.
Roof rats are not as common as norway rats.