SEM study on the dorsal lingual surface of the large flying fox, Pteropus vampyrus.

The dorsal lingual surface of the large flying foxes were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Filiform, fungiform and vallate papillae were observed. The filiform papillae were distributed over the entire dorsal surface of the tongue. The filiform papillae notably differed in morphology by their location on the tongue and could be classified into 6 types: 1) scale-like, 2) giant trifid, 3) small crown-like, 4) large crown-like, 5) long conical and 6) short conical papillae. The fungiform papillae were present rounded bodies on the anterior 2/3 of the tongue. The large flying foxes showed the triangular arrangement of the three vallate papillae, with the apex of the triangle directed posteriorly. These findings indicate that the tongue of the large flying bat is similar to that of the lesser dog-faced fruit bat.