The World's Largest Bat Features a Wingspan Exceeding 5 Feet

Bats are intriguing and frequently misjudged animals. These airborne mammals inhabit various regions globally, often darting with remarkable agility and precision through the twilight sky.

While most bat species are relatively diminutive, some grow to impressive sizes, sparking curiosity or even apprehension: What is the largest bat in the world?

7 of the Largest Flying Foxes, aka Fruit Bats

Despite the common perception of bats as small, rodent-like flyers with somewhat eerie appearances, flying foxes defy this stereotype. Their fox-like features, including prominent snouts and fur in shades of red, brown, black, and white, set them apart.

Their other name, fruit bats, is equally fitting, as they primarily consume fruits, flowers, and nectar. Many of these species rank among the largest bats globally, earning them a distinct classification.

7. Black Flying Fox

The black flying fox (Pteropus alecto) inhabits regions of Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. With wingspans surpassing 39.6 inches (100 cm), these bats thrive on pollen and nectar in their lush tropical environments.

6. Great Flying Fox

The great flying fox (Pteropus neohibernicus), also referred to as the Bismarck flying fox, boasts a wingspan ranging from 39 to 47 inches (100 to 120 cm). Native to New Guinea, these bats are active both day and night, searching for fruit to consume.

Although not classified as endangered, they face significant threats from hunting activities.

5. Madagascan Flying Fox

The Madagascan flying fox (Pteropus rufus) can achieve wingspans of 39 to 49 inches (100 to 125 cm). Indigenous to Madagascar, these bats, also known as Madagascan fruit bats, primarily feed on fruit, a diet described scientifically as fructivorous or frugivorous.

4. Livingstone’s Fruit Bat

Livingstone’s fruit bat (Pteropus livingstonii) is an exceptionally rare species of flying fox, inhabiting only the Anjouan and Mohéli Islands. These bats, with a wingspan of 55 inches (140 cm), are unique for their daytime activity.

3. Indian Flying Fox

The Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius), boasting a wingspan of 47 to 59 inches (120 to 150 cm), holds the title of the largest bat species on the Indian subcontinent.

Primarily frugivorous, this species has also been spotted consuming insects. Despite being labeled as pests due to their fruit farm raids, their feeding behavior plays a crucial role in seed dispersal for various fruits.

2. Large Flying Fox

The large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus), also known as the greater flying fox, Malaysian flying fox, or kalang, is a formidable species that feeds on fruit, nectar, and flowers. With a wingspan often stretching to 59 inches (150 cm), it is a close contender for the title of the largest bat by wingspan.

1. Great Golden Crowned Flying Fox

Claiming the No. 1 spot is the great golden crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus), which boasts an average wingspan of 59 to 67 inches (150 to 170 cm).

Also referred to as the golden-capped fruit bat or the giant golden crowned flying fox, this species is currently endangered. In its natural habitat in the Philippines, it faces severe threats from illegal hunting and deforestation.

5 of the Largest Non-fruit Bats

Flying foxes aren't the sole bats with impressive wingspans. Below are five additional species of notably large bats.

5. Greater Horseshoe Bat

The greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) features a wingspan ranging from 14 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm).

This species, found across Europe, North Africa, and East Asia, is easily recognizable by its unique nose, which is pointed at the top and rounded at the bottom, resembling a horseshoe. It primarily preys on nocturnal insects, especially moths.

4. Greater Noctule Bat

The greater noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus), Europe's largest bat, has a wingspan of 16 to 18 inches (41 to 46 cm). This carnivorous species relies on echolocation to hunt, with birds being a primary target.

Unlike other bird-hunting bats that target roosting birds, the greater noctule bat captures its prey mid-flight, showcasing its aerial hunting prowess.

3. Greater Spear-nosed Bat

Native to Central and South America, the greater spear-nosed bat (Phyllostomus hastatus) has an impressive wingspan of 18 inches (55 cm). This omnivorous species primarily consumes fruits, nectar, seeds, pollen, and insects, though it occasionally preys on birds and small mammals.

2. Spectral Bat

The spectral bat (Vampyrum spectrum), arguably the bat species with the most intriguing name, is the largest bat in the Americas, boasting an average wingspan of 27.6 to 39.6 inches (70 to 100 cm).

Contrary to its genus name, the spectral bat does not feed on blood. Instead, it is a carnivorous hunter, preying on smaller birds and mammals.

1. Hammer-headed Bat

The hammer-headed bat (Hypsignathus monstrosus), native to Western and Central Africa, has a wingspan of 39.6 inches (100 cm).

This species exhibits significant sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females differ markedly in appearance. This is particularly evident in their facial structure, where males possess a large resonance chamber that amplifies their remarkably loud calls.

Are Bats Friendly to Humans?

Bats, like all species, play a vital role in their ecosystems. However, the relationship between bats and humans is complex and multifaceted.

Although bats seldom pose a direct threat to humans, they can act as carriers for various diseases, such as Ebola, rabies, and Marburg virus. This is often linked to the hunting of bats for bushmeat, which increases the risk of disease transmission.

Protecting bats is essential for the health of the ecosystems shared by humans and bats alike. Numerous organizations, including government conservation agencies in species-specific regions and international bodies like Bat Conservation International, are dedicated to safeguarding these creatures globally.