Straw Colored Fruit Bat (Eidolon Helvum)

Straw Colored Fruit Bat

The straw colored fruit bat or “Eidolon Helvum,” ranges from a dark brown grey to a pale yellow or “straw” color. It is the second largest bat on the African continent.

The straw colored fruit bats prefer higher altitudes, roosting in tall trees. These bats live in colonies made up of thousands sometimes more! They are seen on the edges of forests, towns and cities. 

Imagine replacing a city like Wisconsin Dells (population 2,707) with FIVE straw colored fruit bats. That’s a lot of fruit bats 13,535 to be exact. This could be considered a small colony as these bats can colonize up 1 million. Though they are adaptable they prefer a more tropical habitat than Wisconsin.
                                           
These are frugivorous bats (fruit feeders) hence the name “fruit bat.” They feed on fruits like mangos, dates, passion fruit, loquats, pears, and figs. They will suck the juices from the pulp and leave behind any remains. 

During the migration straw colored fruit bats will consume up to two times their body weight in fruit every night.  They play a major role in pollination dispersing seeds through the forests. They also chew wood and bark to obtain moisture.

These bats feed at night but aren’t completely nocturnal. Though they rest occasionally during the day they are known to move among their colony.  

The broadest of any African bat their wingspan can reach from 75cm - 95cm, and their body size being anywhere from 15cm - 19cm. Male bats are slightly larger than the female and the color is a bit more conspicuous as well.

Don't take my word for it though, come see for yourself!