Crocidura lea is a small shrew of approximately 4 grams. The species inhabits tropical rainforest at altitudes up to 1,600 m asl. It shows a preference towards primary forests, but can survive in secondary forests. The species is thought to be nocturnal. There is no information on whether or not it can adapt to anthropogenic habitats outside of forest.

This species is most likely to be endemic to the northern peninsula, northwest area of endemism (Mt. Dako, Central Sulawesi Province and Mt. Buliohuto, Gorontalo Province) and the type locality is in the north-east area of endemism (Temboan, North Sulawesi Province) (Esselstyn et al. 2021). It has been recorded at low and high elevations on both Mts. Dako (512 and 1,600 m asl) and Buliohuto (400, 600 and 1,200 m asl) (Esselstyn et al. 2021).

Given its wide range, this species is likely to be present in a number of protected areas, such as Gungung Ambang Nature Reserve, Gunung Dako Nature Reserve and Pinjan Tanjung Matop Nature Reserve. Populations of this species should be monitored to record changes in abundance and distribution. Further studies are needed on the distribution, abundance, natural history and threats to this species.