PTEROPODIDAE

family of tropical Old World bats of the suborder Megachiroptera, including about 154 species of large-eyed, fruit-eating or flower-feeding bats commonly known as fruit bats and flying foxes. The Pteropodidae are widely distributed from Africa to southeastern Asia and Australasia. With the exception of the dog-faced bats (Rousettus), they rely on vision rather than echolocation (animal sonar) as a means of avoiding obstacles. Some species are solitary, some gregarious. Most species roost in the open in trees, but some inhabit caves, rocks, or buildings. The largest of the pteropodids, and the largest of all bats, are the flying foxes (Pteropus), some of which attain a head and body length of about 40 cm (16 inches) and a wingspan of 1.5 m (5 feet). Among the smallest members of the family are the pollen- and nectar-eating, long-tongued fruit bats (Macroglossus), which attain a head and body length of about 67 cm and a wingspan of about 25 cm. Colour varies among the pteropodids; some are red or yellow, some striped or spotted. Among the best-known pteropodids are the flying foxes, or fox bats. About 65 species are found on tropical islands from Madagascar to Australia and Indonesia. Flying foxes cannot be imported into the United States because they may damage cultivated trees and thus are potential pests. Other representatives of the family include the abundant short-nosed fruit bats (Cynopterus) of Asia; the epauletted fruit bats (Epomophorus) of Africa, in which the male has tufts of pale hair on the shoulders; and the hammer-headed fruit bat (Hypsignathus monstrosus), another African form, which has a large, blunt muzzle and pendulous lips.