This species is found in dense forest, open woodland, mallee, tall shrubland, and open areas. It is typically one of the most common species in urban and rural environments. It roosts in tree hollows, typically dead branches on large, live trees (Lumsden et al. 2002a). It can also roost in artificial structures, including buildings and bat boxes, where it is usually the dominate species (Griffiths et al. 2017). Foraging can occur up to 11 km from roosting sites (Lumsden et al. 2002b). The diet consists of mainly moths, beetles and bugs. Mating occurs in autumn with sperm storage over winter. The gestation period is about three months after which twins are born in early summer (Dixon and Lumsden 2008).

This species is widespread over most of Australia (Dixon and Lumsden 2008). It has been recorded from sea level to 1,500 m in Victoria, although it is more common at lower elevations (Lumsden and Bennett 1995). It formerly occurred on Norfolk Island in the southwest Pacific, however there have been no confirmed records since the 1980s (Hoye 2011).

It is present in many protected areas, and is common in modified habitats. Despite the range of threats outlined above, its populations appear to be stable, with no evidence of declines. In some areas, especially in urban environments where bat boxes are installed, it may be increasing in numbers.