This rat is found in lowland grasslands, forests, and fields in Taiwan. It has a dark back and feeds on seeds, roots, and stems.
Its back fur is dark brown, both sides of its tail are black, and its abdomen is white. The museum notes that the white belly distinguishes it from the Asian house rat.
It mainly eats seeds, roots, and stems, and may also feed on crops. The museum account says it does not tend to enter homes.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.