#pteropus medius

An unusually clear image of a bat flying at Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve in Sunsari district, Nepal, showing its “fingers” with wing membrane stretched between them, and its small claw-like thumbs pointing ahead - Photograph: Narendra Shrestha/EPA

An Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius) stretches on a branch in Fonimagoodhoo, Maldives

Indian Flying Fox, Pteropus medius, in Karnataka, India

My favorite bat!

Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius)

An elegant flying fox, also known as the greater Indian fruit bat, at Ramna Park, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. These bats can fly at up to 19mph - Photograph: Zuma Press/Alamy Live News

Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius)

image description: photos of the Boise Zoo's Indian Flying Fox exhibit. On the left, two Indian flying foxes roosting upside down from the top of their enclosure. On the right, their sign, which reads: "Genus and Species: Pteropus medius Order: Chiroptera Family: Pteropodidae Activity: Indian flying foxes, or giant fruit bats, are one of the largest bat species in the world, with a wingspan stretching over four feet. They help plant growth and disperal by spitting out seeds and dry pulp while eating. Diet: These norturnal bats feed on fruit, flowers, nectar, and the occasional insect. Unlike most bats, they use sight and smell to locate food in low light. Habitat: Tropical forests and swamps near bodies of water and large trees."