This species is found in dry plains to forested hillsides in caves, caverns, underground cellars, old forts, palaces, under bridges, old disused buildings, temples, tunnels (Bates and Harrison 1997, Molur et al. 2002). It roosts in colonies ranging from a few to several hundreds of individuals (W. Yapa, B. Srinivasulu, pers. comm.). In India, individuals do not usually congregate in clusters and tend to be scattered, while in Sri Lanka they tend to be in close contact in roosts (Bates and Harrison 1997). It has a slow and low flight and hunts for insects close to the ground. The diet consists of coleopterans, dipterans, mosquitoes and other insects. A single young is born after a gestation period of 135-140 days (Bates and Harrison 1997).

This species is endemic to South Aisa and is presently known from India (Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttarakhand) and Sri Lanka (Central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva and Western provinces) (Molur et al. 2002, Srinivasulu and Srinivasulu 2012). It has been recorded up to an elevation of 1,385 m asl.

No direct conservation measures are currently needed for this widespread species. This species has been recorded from protected areas in India.