Head to head
Painted Bat vs Epauletted Fruit Bat
The painted bat and epauletted fruit bat both stand out visually among bats, but for very different reasons, one using vivid colour as camouflage while hunting insects, the other using a flashy shoulder display and loud calls to attract mates.
| Painted Bat | Epauletted Fruit Bat | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Kerivoula picta | Epomophorus (genus) |
| Diet | Carnivore, catching flying insects | Herbivore, feeding on fruit, nectar, and pollen |
| Standout feature | Vivid orange-and-black fur | White shoulder tufts and inflatable throat sacs |
| Purpose of standout feature | Camouflage among dried leaves and flowers | Attracting mates through a nightly calling display |
| Social structure | Solitary or small groups | Groups of males calling together each night |
| Ecological role | Not a notable pollinator or seed disperser | An important seed disperser and pollinator |
| Native range | South and Southeast Asia | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Painted Bat vs Epauletted Fruit Bat: common questions
Do the painted bat and epauletted fruit bat eat the same things?
No, the painted bat is a carnivore that catches flying insects, while the epauletted fruit bat is instead a herbivore that feeds on fruit, nectar, and pollen.
Which bat relies more on visual display, the painted bat or epauletted fruit bat?
The epauletted fruit bat, whose males actively display puffed-up white shoulder tufts alongside loud calls to attract females, while the painted bat's vivid colouring instead functions passively as camouflage rather than an active display.
Where are the painted bat and epauletted fruit bat found?
The painted bat is native to South and Southeast Asia, while the epauletted fruit bat is native to sub-Saharan Africa.