Epomophorus

/ˌɛpəˈmɑːfərəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of large African fruit bats known as straw-colored fruit bats.

Etymology

From Greek 'epi' (upon) + 'omos' (shoulder) + 'phoros' (bearing). Named for the distinctive white or yellow shoulder patches that characterize these bats.

Kelly Says

The straw-colored fruit bat's scientific name 'Epomophorus' comes from the glowing patches on its shoulders—ancient naturalists saw those luminous patches and named the bat as the 'shoulder-bearer,' thinking they glowed like stars.

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