Black Rat

The black rat (Rattus rattus) is a common long-tailed rodent of the genus Rattus (rats) in the subfamily Murinae (murine rodents). The species originated in tropical Asia and spread through the Near East in Roman times before reaching Europe by the 1st century and spreading with Europeans across the world.

Read more about Black Rat:  Taxonomy, Description, Origin of Rattus Rattus, Diet, Distribution and Habitat, Home Range, Behavior, Ecology, Predators and Parasites, Control Methods, Endangerment and Conservation

Famous quotes containing the words black and/or rat:

    I have no purpose to introduce political and social equality between the white and black races. There is a physical difference between the two, which, in my judgement, will probably for ever forbid their living together upon the footing of perfect equality; and inasmuch as it becomes a necessity that there must be a difference, I ... am in favour of the race to which I belong having the superior position.
    Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)

    But you think ... that it is time for me to have done with the world, and so I would if I could get into a better before I was called into the best, and not die here in a rage, like a poisoned rat in a hole.
    Jonathan Swift (1667–1745)