In general, fruit bats exhibit polygyny, in which males mate with multiple females. Females give birth to a single pup after a gestation period that typically lasts several months. Pups are born with their eyes closed and are dependent on their mother for food and care. They learn to fly and forage on their own within a few months and reach sexual maturity at around one year of age.
Some fruit bat species, such as the straw-colored fruit bat (Eidolon helvum), exhibit synchronized breeding, in which large numbers of individuals give birth at the same time. This is thought to be an adaptation to reduce the risk of predation on pregnant females and young pups.