Which rat has the following tail description: "Tail is shorter than head plus body"?

The house rat is characterized by a tail that is shorter than the combined length of its head and body. This physical trait is key to identifying house rats as they are typically about 7 to 10 inches long, and their tails generally measure a bit less than their body length.

In contrast, other rodents like roof rats and black rats usually have tails that are longer or approximately equal in length to their bodies, making their tail length a distinguishing feature that can be helpful in identification. The field mouse, while it may also have a shorter tail, is a different species and has other notable size and habitat distinctions compared to the house rat. Understanding these characteristics is essential for accurate identification in pest control and field sanitation practices.