Like other Miniopterus, this species roosts in caves and similar structures, sometimes with other species, and can form large colonies. It forages for insects in open areas and above the forest canopy, in primary and secondary forest, and also agricultural areas (Rickart et al. 1993, Sanborn 1952, Bonaccorso 1998, Heaney et al. 1998, Esselstyn et al. 2004).

Taxonomic investigations underway may provide a more accurate understanding of the distribution limits of this species. Until then, the species is considered to have a wide distribution that includes the Philippines, Sulawesi (Salubes Island and Buton Island), the island of New Guinea and some nearby islands and numerous islands across Melanesia. Within the Philippines, records extend from sea level up to 430 m asl from Bohol, Cebu, Guimaras, Leyte, Lubang, Luzon, Palawan, Mindanao (Maguindanao, and Zamboanga del Norte provinces), Mindoro, Negros, Samar, and Tablas (Hollister 1912, Lawrence 1939, Peterson 1981, Taylor 1934, Heaney et al. 1998, Esselstyn et al. 2005). Within Melanesia, it occurs on the islands of Biak-Supiori and Yapen (Indonesia), in the Bismarck Archipelago (Papua New Guinea), several islands in Milne Bay (Papua New Guinea), the Solomon Islands (Nendo, Nggele Sule, Rennell and San Cristobal islands), and as far south as the islands of Espiritu Santo and Efate in Vanuatu (Corbet and Hill 1992, Flannery 1995, Bonaccorso 1998, Simmons 2005). The maximum elevation it has been recorded is 1,600 m asl (Bonaccorso 1998).

A common assumption for common and widespread species is that they are secure, and that adequate numbers occur in multiple protected areas. For species of Miniopterus that congregate seasonally to breed, a single catastrophic event can remove a significant fraction of a regional population. In addition, insidious processes and minor disturbances can function to cause declines both at breeding roosts and other areas where bats are present seasonally. Effective protection and strategic management of known roost sites, especially of the largest colonies, should be a priority for government land managers, ideally working with local authorities and communities. Broader-reaching policies that take steps to protect ever-dwindling natural forests and restrict the use of chemicals in agricultural areas will also help this species persist. In environmental impact assessments, so-called ‘localised effects’ may in fact have regional consequences, given the number and spatial extent of suitable protected caves available for colonies, particularly large seasonal breeding congregations. Assessments of the risk of developments to known large colonies therefore need to be informed by the broader context of habitat available for the species. The conservation status of all small Miniopterus needs to be reassessment in the light of new taxonomic and distributional information.