Family PTEROPODIDAE

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Introduction

Found in the tropical and subtropical Ethiopian, Indo-Malayan and Australian Regions, the family is represented in Australia by eight species.

Pteropodids are characterised by low-crowned cheek teeth which lack cingula and canines which are usually smooth to the base. Postorbital processes are well developed, but the greater tuberosity of the humerus is not prominent and does not articulate with the scapula. The external ear is simple and lacks a tragus, the eyes are large and conspicuous, a claw is often present on the second manal digit, the tail is short or absent and the interfemoral membrane is reduced or rudimentary.

Orientation is primarily by vision and smell. Echolocation is unknown among Australian taxa. All are homeothermic and while most feeding activity is crepuscular or nocturnal, considerable diurnal activity occurs among these generally gregarious bats. Roosts of most species are aboreal, but some species are troglophiles. All feed on fruit, fruit juices, nectar or pollen.

In Australia, these bats are associated primarily with coastal, tropical or subtropical areas, but at least two species are known from more southern temperate, coastal areas of eastern Australia.

General References

Hall, L. & Hughes, L. (eds) 1987. Proceedings of the first national flying-fox symposium. Australian Mammalogy 10(2): 73-157

Nelson, J.E. 1989. Pteropidae. pp. 836-844 in Walton, D.W. & Richardson, B.J. (eds). Fauna of Australia. Mammalia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1B 827 pp.

Nelson, J.E. 1989. Pteropidae. pp. 836-844 in Walton, D.W. & Richardson, B.J. (eds). Fauna of Australia. Mammalia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1B 827 pp.

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