Flying foxes are big bats: the largest species can reach a wingspan of about 1.5–1.8 meters (around 5–6 feet) and a body length of roughly 25–40 centimeters (10–16 inches), weighing close to 1–1.5 kilograms (2–3 pounds).

Quick Scoop

  • Typical wingspan for large flying fox species: about 1.5 meters (around 5 feet).
  • Some of the biggest (like the Malayan and giant golden-crowned flying fox) can stretch wings up to around 1.7–1.8 meters (5.5–6 feet).
  • Body length (head to rump) is usually 25–40 centimeters (10–16 inches), so the “bat part” is much shorter than the wings.
  • Weight commonly ranges from about 0.6 to 1.4 kilograms (1.3–3.1 pounds).
  • They are the largest bats in the world, sometimes described as “dog-sized” or “small cat-sized” when hanging in trees.

If you picture a bat with a wingspan about the width of a tall adult person’s outstretched arms, you’re in the right ballpark for how big a flying fox can get.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.