Naked Mole Rat

News This Surprising Rodent Can Survive 18 Minutes Without Oxygen

The unique adaptation could even help prevent heart disease in humans.

Follow Video Baby Mole Rats Could these wrinkly mole rats be the secret to eternal youth? David Attenborough tells us more about these unique creatures that live underground.

About Naked Mole Rat

There are many different kinds of mole rats. The best known is probably the naked mole rat, whose hairless, tubular, wrinkled body makes it appear a bit like a tiny walrus—or perhaps a bratwurst with teeth.

Naked mole rats are rodents, but they live in communities like those of many insects. Several dozen rats live together in colonies led by one dominant rat—the queen. As in some insect species, the queen is the only naked mole rat female to breed and bear young.

Fast Facts

Common Name: Naked Mole Rat

Scientific Name: Heterocephalus glaber

Type: Mammals

Diet: Herbivores

Size: Head and body, 3 to 13 in; tail, up to 3 in

Weight: Up to to 3.3 lbs

Naked Mole Rat

Newsletter

Join Us!