Very little is known about the ecology of this species. It forages in both forested and open areas (Smith and Xie 2008) and was caught in pristine forest in Sichuan using harp trap (Wenhua Yu pers. comm.). In China this species is known to roost in caves, in trees, and in houses. Near Beijing (at the northern limit of its distribution) it is known to hibernate in cave crevices (Li Feng pers. comm.).

Currently accepted distribution includes West Bengal, India (Bates and Harrison 1997), China (Feng et al. 1986, Hu and Wang 1982, Smith and Xie 2008, Wang 1992, Wu 1982, Zhang 1997;), Vietnam (Hendricksen et al., 2001). A specimen reported by McBee et al. (1986) from Thailand was mis-identified and represents M. harrisoni (Francis and Eger 2012). The Nepalese record is not substantiated by any voucher and the frequently referred individual (collected by Scully in 1887 in the Kathmandu Valley) most probably represents M. huttoni (Pearch 2011). The species’ occurrence in Bhutan is not supported by any data. Specimens reported previously from the Russian Federation, Japan, Mongolia, North and South Korea and North China as this species are, in fact, M. hilgendorfi (G. Csorba pers. comm.).

Occurs in several protected areas. Due to its natural rarity outside of China, conservation measures are required. Further research on all aspects of ecology and population trends is strongly recommended.