Macroglossus minimus is a nectarivorous bat that feeds on nectar and pollen (Francis 2019, Nuevo Diego et al. 2019, Nuevo Diego et al. 2021). It is found in disturbed habitats (e.g., plantations, rural gardens, urban areas, paperbark woodlands, mangroves and swamp forests, and primary and secondary tropical moist forests (Heaney et al. 1998, Relox et al. 2014, Francis 2019). Roosts of individuals or small groups are typically under diverse structures including large leaves (e.g., palm fronds), branches, and loose bark, and may also be found roosting in bamboo or abandoned buildings roosts (Heaney et al. 1998, Winkelmann et al. 2003). The species demonstrates some degree of roost fidelity in Papua New Guinea and has a small “home range” of only 5.8 ha (Winkelmann et al. 2003). Further, adult males express some degree of territoriality and in primary forests may exclude conspecifics from feeding territories whereas there is some overlap in rural gardens (Winkelmann et al. 2003).

The species has an estimated generation length of 4.3 years (Pacifici et al. 2013) and gives birth to a single young (occasionally 2 young) (Flannery 1995a, Strahan 1995, Bonaccorso 1998). Depending on the region, M. minimus may demonstrate bimodal or even trimodal polyoestry based on the availability of resources (Flannery 1995a,b; Strahan 1995; Bonaccorso 1998; Kofron 2008).

The species has been found in a number of protected areas across its range (Heaney et al. 1998, Relox et al. 2014). Given the species small size and broad distribution, additional research into the genetics of the species is warranted (Luczon et al. 2019). Further, data are needed to establish the species population size and trends and into emerging threats.