Group of Fruit Bats or Flying Foxes hanging in the trees
Bats of the genus Pteropus, belonging to the Megachiroptera sub order, are the largest bats in the world. They are commonly known as the Fruit Bats or Flying Foxes among other numerous colloquial names. They live in the tropics and subtropics of Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Australia, Oceania islands, off East Africa, but not the mainland Africa and a number of remote oceanic islands in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Characteristically all species of flying foxes only feed on nectar blossom pollen and fruit which explains their limited tropical distribution. They do not possess echolocation a feature which helps the other sub order of bats the Microbats locate and catch prey such as insects in mid air Instead smell and eyesight are very well developed in flying foxes. Feeding ranges can reach up to 40 miles. When it locates food the flying fox crashes into foliage and grabs for it. It may also attempt to catch hold of a branch with its hind feet then swing upside down Ñ once attached and hanging the fox draws food to its mouth with one of its hind feet or with the clawed thumbs at the top of its wings.
Size: 5400px × 3600px
Location: Chachoengsao, Thailand
Photo credit: © Michiel Bosch / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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