Q: Is there a difference between a fruit bat and a flying fox?
A: Great question! “Fruit bat” is the general term for bats in the Pteropodidae family—also known as megabats. “Flying fox” refers to the largest of these fruit bats, especially those with fox-like faces and long snouts.
So basically:
- All flying foxes are fruit bats
- But not all fruit bats are flying foxes
Flying foxes typically have wingspans over 3 feet and roost in large, noisy colonies—often seen in parts of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Smaller fruit bats might live alone or in smaller groups and may look a bit less like furry canines with wings.
Learn more: Meet the Fruit Bat: Nature’s Nighttime Gardener
Disclaimer: This blog post is for edutainment purposes only and may not be entirely accurate.
