ExploreMammals

straw-coloured fruit bat

Eidolon helvum

The straw-coloured fruit bat is a friendly flying mammal that loves to eat fruits! They have big ears and can be found hanging upside down in trees, making them look like little furry decorations.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The straw-coloured fruit bat has yellowish-brown, sometimes golden, fur covering its body. It features large, dark eyes and a distinct dog-like face without any prominent nose-leaf, setting it apart from many other bat species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderChiropteraFamilyPteropodidaeGenusEidolon
straw-coloured fruit bat
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straw-coloured fruit bat

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Imagine living in a colony with up to a million other bats in one tree!

These bats taste fruit juice using their long, specially grooved tongues!

They help new trees grow by dropping seeds as they fly after eating fruit!

They travel thousands of miles across Africa each year, following ripening fruit!

Special abilities

Ability

Long-Distance Flier

Straw-coloured fruit bats can fly thousands of kilometers because of their strong wings that help them migrate seasonally.

Ability

Fruit Finder

Straw-coloured fruit bats have an amazing sense of smell that helps them locate ripe, juicy fruits from far away.

Ability

Night Vision

Straw-coloured fruit bats have large, prominent eyes that help them see very well in the dim light of dusk and night.

Ability

Juice Sipper

Straw-coloured fruit bats have a long, flexible tongue that helps them lap up nectar and fruit juices efficiently.

Measurements & details

Length
14-22 cm
Wingspan
60-97 cm
Weight
0.23-0.35 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Litter Size
1-2
Gestation
120-150 days

Diet & Feeding

These bats mostly eat yummy fruits and nectar, helping plants grow as they feed!

Primary Foods

  • Mangoes
  • Papayas
  • Guavas
  • Figs
  • Nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Mango

Mangifera indica

Feeds on ripe mangoes, especially during migration.

pollinates

Baobab

Adansonia digitata

Helps pollinate the flowers of the iconic Baobab tree.

eats

Sycamore Fig

Ficus sycomorus

Relies on figs for food, helping disperse their seeds.

eaten by

Tawny Eagle

Aquila rapax

Can be prey for large birds of prey like the Tawny Eagle.

Traits

Also known as

African Fruit BatEidolon Bat

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't try to touch bats in the wild; they are best enjoyed from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is straw-coloured fruit bat?

14-22 cm

What is straw-coloured fruit bat's wingspan?

60-97 cm

How much does straw-coloured fruit bat weigh?

0.23-0.35 kg

How long does straw-coloured fruit bat live?

15-20 years

How fast can straw-coloured fruit bat move?

40 km/h

What does straw-coloured fruit bat eat?

These bats mostly eat yummy fruits and nectar, helping plants grow as they feed!

Where is straw-coloured fruit bat usually found?

Forests

How does straw-coloured fruit bat hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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