Bats are a highly diverse group of mammals. They are the only mammals capable of sustained flight. When considering the “biggest” bats, the definition can vary, often referring to their expansive wingspan or their overall body weight.
Giants of the Sky by Wingspan
The Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox (Acerodon jubatus) holds the distinction of having the largest wingspan among all bat species. This megabat, endemic to the Philippines, can achieve an impressive wingspan typically ranging from 150 to 170 centimeters (59 to 67 inches). Its wings stretch remarkably wide, allowing it to navigate through its forest habitats.
Other large flying foxes also exhibit substantial wingspans. The Large Flying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus) can have a wingspan reaching up to 150 centimeters (59 inches). These large wing membranes enable efficient flight over considerable distances as these bats forage.
Titans of Weight
While the Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox is notable for its wingspan, other species can surpass it in terms of body mass. The Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus medius) and the Great Flying Fox (Pteropus neohibernicus) are among the heaviest, with some individuals weighing up to 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds) and 1.45 kilograms (3.2 pounds) respectively. The Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox itself can weigh up to 1.4 kilograms (3.1 pounds). These bats have robust bodies, contributing to their considerable mass.
The Large Flying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus) typically weighs up to 1.1 kilograms (2.5 pounds), though it has a comparable wingspan to some of the heavier species. Differences in body density or muscle mass can account for variations in weight among species with similar wingspans. For example, some bats might possess denser bone structures or more compact muscle development, contributing to a greater overall mass despite not having the absolute largest wing dimensions.
Other Impressive Large Bats
Other bat species are notably large within their specific categories. The Greater Noctule Bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus) is the largest microbat in Europe. Its wingspan typically measures between 41 and 46 centimeters (16 to 18 inches), and it weighs between 41 and 76 grams (1.4 to 2.7 ounces). This species hunts and consumes birds, often catching them in flight.
The Spectral Bat (Vampyrum spectrum), found in the Americas, also represents a significant size among carnivorous bats, with a wingspan exceeding 60 centimeters (24 inches). These examples illustrate the diverse forms large bats can take.
What Large Bats Eat and Where They Live
Large bat species, particularly megabats or flying foxes, primarily consume fruits, nectar, pollen, and flowers. They are often referred to as frugivores and nectivores. Their diet includes a variety of cultivated fruits like mangoes, bananas, and figs, alongside wild plant matter.
These large bats inhabit tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, Australia, Africa, and various oceanic islands. Their preferred environments often include lowland and mangrove forests, as well as coconut groves and fruit orchards. They typically roost in large colonies in trees and travel significant distances, up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) in a single night, to their feeding grounds. These bats play an important ecological role in their habitats through seed dispersal and pollination.