Little Red Fruit-bat
![A Little Red Fruit-bat taking off from a roosting camp. [Photographed by Peter Rowland]](https://prpw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PRPW-110811-14-12250.jpg "Little Red Fruit-Bat")
Scientific Name: Pteropus scapulatus
Size: Head-Body 120–200 mm; Forearm 116–140 mm
What does it look like?
The Little Red Fruit-bat’s fur is pale brown to rich reddish-brown, often becoming more greyish on head, and occasionally with yellowish patch on neck and shoulders. Exposed skin reddish-brown, and wings largely transparent in flight.
Where is it found?
Broad coastal and inland band (including several islands) from central Vic, through NSW, Qld, NT and Kimberley region WA, becoming more coastal in western WA.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Little Red Fruit-bat lives in various habitats, from semi-arid woodland to wet forests and paperbark swamps. Feeds at night mainly on nectar and pollen, supplemented with fruits, sap and some insects. Roosts by day in large camps, often of several hundred thousand individuals.
Interesting facts
Generally nomadic, in response to food availability, and readily roosts with other fruit-bat species.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Australia
