The fruit bat(果蝠), also known as the "flying fox(狐狸)", got its name because it has large eyes and looks like a fox. There are many kinds of fruit bats and they are different in size from one place to the next. For example, some fruit bats are no more than two inches long. Others, though, are more than 16 inches in length.
Flying foxes have pointed teeth. Most people have been taught that the teeth are for a meat-eating animal. However, they only eat flowers and fruit. When feeding on fruit, they drink the juice.
Flying foxes have difficulty getting into the air if they fall on the ground, so they feed on fruit on the trees and will not follow a meal if it drops to the ground. They get their water by flying over rivers and lakes without having to land.
Flying foxes are found in Australia. Living in large groups, they sometimes gather(聚集)by the tens of thousands in rainforests and near rivers. Like most bats, they rest by hanging upside-down, and sleep during the day and feed at night. They may have to travel for long distances during certain(某些的)times of the year in order to find food. They will make the journey back to their home, though, before the Sun comes up. Unlike most bats, this flying animal uses its sight but not echolocation(回声定位)to look for food.
The flying fox plays an important role in pollination(传粉)in Australia, and its droppings help with the spread(传播)of seeds. However, many farmers in Australia prefer to cover their fruits so, that the bats would not destroy(损坏)them.
