Bats are the only mammals capable of true sustained flight. Among the largest bats in the world are the flying foxes, also called Old World fruit bats. Some of these remarkable bats can have wingspans of more than 5 feet (1.5 meters).
Most of the bats in this list are fruit-eating species found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and nearby islands. They play important ecological roles by helping disperse seeds and pollinate plants.
If you enjoy learning about animals, you may also like our guide to Vertebrate Animals for Kids.
Quick Comparison: 8 of the Largest Bats
| No. | Bat | Maximum Wingspan | Main Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox | Up to 5.6 ft (1.7 m) | Philippines |
| 2 | Indian Flying Fox | Up to 4.9 ft (1.5 m) | South Asia |
| 3 | Great Flying Fox | About 4.8 ft (1.45 m) | New Guinea |
| 4 | Sulawesi Flying Fox | About 4.6 ft (1.4 m) | Indonesia |
| 5 | Spectacled Flying Fox | About 3.3 ft (1.0 m) | Australia |
| 6 | Hammer-Headed Bat | About 3.3 ft (1.0 m) | Central & West Africa |
| 7 | Franquet’s Epauletted Fruit Bat | About 2.3 ft (0.7 m) | Central & West Africa |
| 8 | Egyptian Fruit Bat | About 2 ft (0.6 m) | Africa & Middle East |
Wingspan figures are approximate maximum or commonly reported measurements. Exact rankings can vary depending on whether wingspan, body size, or weight is used.
The largest bats vary in size, wingspan, and weight. The comparison below highlights eight of the largest bat species and shows where they are found.
These large bats include flying foxes and fruit bats from Asia, Africa, Australia, and nearby islands. Despite their impressive size, most of them feed mainly on fruit, nectar, or flowers and play important roles in pollination and seed dispersal.
1. Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox
Scientific name: Acerodon jubatus
Wingspan: Up to about 5.6 feet (1.7 meters)
Weight: Up to about 1.4 kg (3.1 lb)
Range: Philippines
Diet: Mainly figs and other fruit
The giant golden-crowned flying fox is one of the most impressive bats in the world. It is widely recognized as the largest bat by wingspan, with Bat Conservation International reporting wingspans of up to about 6 feet. It is found only in the Philippines.
Its name comes from the distinctive golden-colored fur on its head. Unlike many people imagine when they hear the word “bat,” this species is a fruit-eater and does not feed on blood.
Figs are an important part of its diet, and the species also eats other plant material. It generally roosts in trees and can form mixed colonies with other flying foxes.
The species is endangered, with habitat loss, hunting, and disturbance at roosting sites among its major conservation concerns.
Bat Conservation International – Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox
2. Indian Flying Fox
Scientific name: Pteropus medius
Wingspan: Up to about 4.9 feet (1.5 meters)
Weight: Up to about 1.6 kg (3.5 lb)
Range: India and other parts of South Asia
Diet: Fruits, nectar, and flowers
The Indian flying fox is one of the largest bats in the world and is India’s largest bat. It can have a wingspan of around 1.5 meters and weigh up to about 1.6 kg.
Its large eyes help it navigate and locate food at night. Like other flying foxes, it feeds mainly on plant material rather than insects.
Indian flying foxes often rest together in large colonies during the day. They can travel considerable distances while searching for fruit and other food.
The species also contributes to ecosystems through pollination and seed dispersal, making fruit bats important beyond their impressive size.
3. Great Flying Fox
Scientific name: Pteropus neohibernicus
Wingspan: About 4.8 feet (1.45 meters)
Weight: Up to about 1.45 kg (3.2 lb)
Range: New Guinea and nearby islands
Diet: Fruits, nectar, and flowers
The great flying fox is one of the largest fruit bats in the world. It is found mainly in New Guinea and nearby islands.
Although its wingspan is slightly shorter than that of the giant golden-crowned flying fox, the great flying fox is a particularly heavy flying fox. It feeds mainly on fruit, nectar, and flowers.
Like other fruit bats, it can help plants by moving pollen and dispersing seeds as it feeds and travels between trees.
4. Sulawesi Flying Fox
Scientific name: Acerodon celebensis
Wingspan: About 4.6 feet (1.4 meters)
Range: Sulawesi and nearby Indonesian islands
Diet: Mainly fruit
The Sulawesi flying fox, also called the Sulawesi fruit bat, is a large fruit-eating bat native to Indonesia. It occurs on Sulawesi and several nearby islands.
It feeds mainly on fruit and prefers lowland habitats, although it can occur at higher elevations. Its large wings allow it to travel between feeding and roosting areas.
The species is listed as Vulnerable, with hunting identified as one of its conservation concerns.
5. Spectacled Flying Fox
Scientific name: Pteropus conspicillatus
Wingspan: About 3.3 feet (1 meter)
Weight: Up to about 1 kg (2.2 lb)
Range: Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands
Diet: Fruit, nectar, and pollen
The spectacled flying fox gets its name from the pale markings around its eyes, which give it the appearance of wearing spectacles.
It occurs in northeastern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, where it lives mainly in tropical rainforest environments.
This flying fox eats fruit, nectar, and pollen. Like other large fruit bats, it can contribute to pollination and seed dispersal.
The species has also faced significant conservation pressures, including habitat loss and extreme heat events.
6. Hammer-Headed Bat
Scientific name: Hypsignathus monstrosus
Wingspan: Up to about 3.2 feet (0.97 meters)
Weight: Up to about 450 g (1 lb)
Range: Central and West Africa
Diet: Mainly fruit
The hammer-headed bat is the largest bat found in continental Africa. Males can have wingspans approaching 1 meter and are considerably larger than females.
Its name comes from the unusual shape of the male’s head. Males also have an enlarged larynx and make loud calls during courtship.
One of the most interesting features of this species is its mating behaviour. In some areas, groups of males gather in trees and compete for the attention of females through vocalizations and displays.
7. Franquet’s Epauletted Fruit Bat
Scientific name: Epomops franqueti
Wingspan: About 2.3 feet (0.7 meters)
Range: Central and West Africa
Diet: Fruit, nectar, and flowers
Franquet’s epauletted fruit bat is smaller than the giant flying foxes but is still a relatively large fruit bat.
It gets its common name from the distinctive tufts of fur near its shoulders, which resemble epaulettes. It feeds on plant material such as fruit, nectar, and flowers.
This species is another example of how fruit-eating bats can interact closely with plants while moving through their forest habitats.
8. Egyptian Fruit Bat
Scientific name: Rousettus aegyptiacus
Wingspan: About 2 feet (0.6 meters)
Weight: About 140 g
Range: Africa and parts of the Middle East
Diet: Fruit and nectar
The Egyptian fruit bat is considerably smaller than the giant flying foxes on this list, but it is still a large fruit bat compared with many other bat species.
It has large eyes and relies heavily on vision when moving through its environment. It also has a remarkable ability among fruit bats: it can use echolocation to help navigate in darkness.
Its diet includes fruits and nectar, making it another important fruit-eating bat in its native ecosystems.
Which Bat Is the Largest?
There is no single answer unless we specify how size is measured.
The giant golden-crowned flying fox is generally recognized as one of the largest bats by wingspan, reaching about 1.7 meters (5.6 feet). The Indian flying fox and great flying fox can reach greater body weights, with the Indian flying fox reported at up to about 1.6 kg.
So, rather than saying that one species is unquestionably the largest in every measurement, it is more accurate to compare wingspan, body length, and weight.
Bats are just one fascinating group of animals. You can also explore our guide to Animal Group Names for Kids to learn what different groups of animals are called.
Why Are Large Bats Important?
Large bats are not simply unusual because of their size. Many fruit bats and flying foxes perform important ecological functions.
Seed Dispersal
Fruit-eating bats can carry seeds away from the trees where they feed. Because they can travel considerable distances, they may help spread seeds across forests and disturbed areas. This can support natural forest regeneration.
Pollination
Some bats feed on nectar and flowers and transfer pollen as they move between plants. Flying foxes and other fruit bats contribute to pollination in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.
Supporting Forest Ecosystems
Seed dispersal and pollination help maintain plant diversity and support forest regeneration. A 2021 global review identified bats as important providers of ecosystem services including seed dispersal and pollination.
Are Large Bats Dangerous?
The size of a bat does not mean that it is dangerous to people.
The large fruit bats in this list primarily eat fruit, nectar, or flowers. They are very different from the blood-feeding vampire bats found in parts of the Americas.
Like wild animals generally, bats should be observed from a safe distance. Avoid handling bats, especially sick or injured animals, and allow wildlife professionals to deal with them when necessary.
Fascinating Facts About the World’s Largest Bats
- Some flying foxes can have wingspans of more than 5 feet (1.5 meters).
- The giant golden-crowned flying fox is found only in the Philippines.
- Flying foxes are generally fruit-eaters, not blood-feeders.
- Some fruit bats help disperse seeds over considerable distances.
- Bats can be important pollinators of tropical plants.
- The hammer-headed bat is notable for the very different head shape of adult males.
- The Egyptian fruit bat can use echolocation for navigation.
- The largest bat depends on whether you compare wingspan, body length, or weight.
Conclusion
The world’s largest bats are remarkable examples of how much diversity exists among mammals. From the giant golden-crowned flying fox of the Philippines to the hammer-headed bat of Africa, these species differ greatly in appearance, habitat, diet, and behaviour.
Their impressive wingspans are only part of the story. Many fruit bats and flying foxes also contribute to healthy ecosystems by dispersing seeds and pollinating plants.
Learning about these bats can help us appreciate why protecting wildlife and the habitats they depend on matters.
If you enjoy learning about interesting animals, you can also explore Animals That Represent Peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest bat in the world?
The giant golden-crowned flying fox is widely recognized as one of the largest bats by wingspan, reaching roughly 5.6 feet (1.7 meters). However, rankings can differ depending on whether wingspan or body weight is used.
How big can the largest bats get?
Some of the largest flying foxes can reach wingspans of around 5 to 6 feet. Their wingspan makes them look especially impressive when flying.
Are flying foxes really foxes?
No. Flying foxes are bats, not foxes. The name comes from their fox-like facial appearance, especially their large eyes and pointed muzzle.
Do large bats eat blood?
No. The large fruit bats featured in this article primarily eat fruit, nectar, or flowers. The vampire bats that feed on blood are much smaller and belong to a different group of bats.
Where do the largest bats live?
Many of the world’s largest bats live in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly across South and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Guinea, Africa, and Pacific islands.
Why are bats important to forests?
Fruit- and nectar-feeding bats can help forests through seed dispersal and pollination. These activities can contribute to plant reproduction and forest regeneration.
References
- Bat Conservation International — Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox
- Bat Conservation International — Bats and Forest Ecosystems
- PubMed — Bats and Their Vital Ecosystem Services: A Global Review
Mathukutty P V is a Blogger, YouTuber, and Content Writer and the founder of Simply Life Tips. After taking voluntary retirement in 2017, he embraced a free lifestyle focused on learning, personal growth, and sharing practical wisdom to help others live with more purpose and positivity.
