The wingspan of the largest species, A. jubatus, is 1.51-1.7 meters.
Coloration is variable.
The forehead and sides of the head are often dark brown or black, an orange or golden yellow nape may be evident, the shoulders are usually reddish brown or chestnut, the lower back is usually darker than the area between the shoulders, and the undersides are usually dark brown or black. This genus is externally indistinguishable from Pteropus but differs in dental features. In the Philippines, Acerodon has been found roosting in clumps of bamboo, hardwood trees, and swampy forest, usually on small offshore islands. These bats flew 9-16 km into the mountains in the evening to feed on wild fruit. The staple food in this area was at least two species of fig.