LESSER SHORT-NOSED FRUIT BAT

Most small bats use echolocation to navigate, but the distinctively large orbits of this Southeast Asian bat betray that it uses sight to find its way. Larger eyes allow more light to come in, making for better vision. As its name suggests, this bat prefers fruit, which it finds using a keen sense of smell. Sharp teeth and a powerful jaw allow it to pierce tough fruit rinds.

Reprinted from Skulls, by permission of Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers. Copyright © 2012