Abstract The genus Aethomys currently includes 11 species, but recent evidence indicates a need for taxonomic revision of the genus. Aethomys chrysophilus (De Winton, 1897) is a muroid rodent commonly called the red veld rat. A medium-sized rodent with a long, sparsely haired tail, A. chrysophilus is largely parapatric with its sibling species, A. ineptus, and in areas of co-occurrence, determination of chromosome number, mitochondrial DNA analysis, or morphology of spermatozoa are required to distinguish A. chrysophilus from A. ineptus. Endemic to Africa, A. chrysophilus is found in savanna–woodland habitats that include varying combinations of grass–herbaceous ground cover, shrub understory, and miombo or mopane woodlands. It is not of special conservation concern.