• Fox-like face, protruding jaw
• Short to non-existent tail
• Normal to large, dark eyes
• Ears are fully enclosed at the base
• Hair varies in thickness; generally short and fuzzy; front part of head, outer parts of limbs and wing membrane are generally bald.
• Skin is brownish with variation in hue and intensity
• Wings are usually dark with spotted patterns
• Teeth are generally 34 in number and do not fully close; the back molars are flat and wide and used for crushing soft fruits
• Long and agile tongue
• Hands have a small claw on the second fingers which are useful in ripping open fruits; this is a distinguishing factor between Fruit and Insectivorous Bats.

The fruit bat's taste is much like that of humans; they prefer sweet, aromatic, juicy fruits. Once they find their meal they will either eat it right of the vine or tree or take elsewhere to enjoy. It is not uncommon for the bat to crush the fruit and simply drink the juices, while leaving the remaining pulp to fall to the ground and rot. Some fruit bats will pollinate flowers, gaining nourishment from the nectar; thus creating a symbiotic relationship. However, many will chew the "meaty" petals right off of the flower, killing the blossom. 
Large fruit bats must eat a lot to become sated. These bats have large, expandable stomachs which increase on one side forming a sac-like form. This trait belongs to the fruit bat alone. The insectivorous bats have larger intestinal tracts, instead. 

Bats communicate and navigate using high-frequency sounds. This method is so sophisticated and refined that a bat could detect an object the size of a human hair in total darkness. Bats, being very loyal to their birthplace and hibernation sight, may use this in some way to plot their way from one destination to the other but scientists are unaware of exactly how they find their way back and forth every year. It is thought that certain patterns and landmarks are passed through generations. Bats tend to migrate within a 300 mile range to warmer climates where they hibernate for up to 6 months or more using reserves of stored fat. 

When the weather gets warm, about 37 degrees Celcius, bats simulate the act of perspiring. The fruit bat will lick their breast, stomach, and wings to the point that it would seem they'd been bathing in water. Then, they'll fan one of their wings back and forth to create s breeze against their body. This causes the moisture to evaporate. Thus, cooling them down 
When the weather gets cold, about 10 degrees Celcius, they'll wrap themselves tightly in their winged membrane, tucking their heads, faces, and any other parts they can manage inside. From that point their warm breath will become a source of heat. In addition, their usual huddling together in large groups creates warmth as well. 

Fruit bats don't hibernate or fall into deep lethargic daytime sleeps like the insectivorous bats. Their sleep tendencies are a bit like many humans. They'll sleep during the daylight hours after a long night's hunt, and they'll sleep hard if they're tired enough. However, if they are alarmed in any way, they won't hesitate to check out what the cause was. 
When Dusk arrives, the bats will quickly leave their roosting site (the hanging position is beneficial to this). The first task is usually a visit to a nearby watering hole. There they will briefly touch the surface of the water and take off again, drinking as they ascend. 
When Dusk arrives, the bats will make their way back to their caves, barns or trees. There, they'll noisily fly around for sometimes hours at a time before finally hanging up for the day. 

• Pollination of certain flowers
• Fruits such as bananas, breadfruit, avocados, dates, figs, mangoes, peaches and even tequila rely on them for pollination and/or seed dispersal 
• Source of genetic material for disease resistant strains
• Rejuvenation of commercial varieties by producing more productive plants 
• Studies of bats have contributed to developing navigational aids for the blind, birth control, artificial insemination techniques, and vaccines

The two fruit bats at the Fort Worth Zoo are found in the Education Center. They rest during the center's business hours inside a simulated forest area, separated from humans by a pane of glass. The roost from a grate in the ceiling side by side. One seems to prefer to hang with one leg, while the other, seems more comfortable with two. The latter bat was very aware of activity on the other side of the glass. When movement or noise was sense, she would untuck her head and target the culprit with his dark, glassy eyes. Once assured that there was either no danger or no excitement, she'd tuck her head back into place and snuggle a bit with his partner. I found them most enjoyable to spend time with even while they slept. . 

Time Magazine Article about Bats: 
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/archive/1995/950821/950821.science.html

Bat Study Unit