Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat
A species of Epomophorus Scientific name : Epomophorus wahlbergi Genus : Epomophorus
Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat, A species of Epomophorus
Botanical name: Epomophorus wahlbergi
Genus: Epomophorus
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Susan Ellis, Bugwoord.org 
Description
Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat is brown to tawny colored with white hair patches at the base of the ears. Males are typically darker in coloration than females. This species is named for erectable epaulettes of hair that form around large scent glands in males only. Males are also distinguished from females by air sacs on the neck that may increase the volume of courtship calls. Scent glands are located near the white ear patches in both sexes. Wings are broad as compared to other bat species. Adult wingspan is 510–600 mm (20–24 in) and 456–540 mm (18.0–21.3 in) for males and females, respectively. Adults weight 54–125 g (1.9–4.4 oz). The eyes of E. wahlbergi are large. Ears are simple, oval-shaped, and lack a tragus. The nose is also simple, but the lips are highly folded and expansible. Skulls are 44–57 mm (1.7–2.2 in) and 41–49 mm (1.6–1.9 in) long for males and females, respectively. Species of the genus Epomophorus can be distinguished from other megabats (Family Pteropodidae) by their eponymous white epaulettes. A single post-dental palatal ridge in E. wahlbergi distinguishes this species from other members of the genus. 
Size
13 - 25 cm
Life Expectancy
10 years
Nest Placement
Tree
Feeding Habits
Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat primarily consumes fruits like figs and guava, specifically targeting Diospyros species. Occasionally, it supplements its diet with leaves from Balanites species and various insects, demonstrating a frugivorous feeding behavior with opportunistic insectivory.
Habitat
Southern Africa in forest, shrubland, savanna, wooded urban areas, man-made structures, well-lit open trees, under palm fronds, dense forests near rivers, under thatched roofs of sheds, rarely caves
Dite type
Frugivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Fruit
Behavior
Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat is a nocturnal species, predominantly frugivorous, but also consumes insects. Mating displays involve extensive male aerial acrobatics. Females are solitary until their male partner joins them for pair-grooming and roosting. Territory is not strictly defended, with sleeping sites often shared between several roosting pairs.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Bats Family
Megabats Genus
Epomophorus Species
Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat 
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