This rat is found in evergreen and deciduous forest, mangroves, plantations, and second growth. It is nocturnal and strictly arboreal and has not been trapped on the ground. It moves slowly and may remain motionless for long periods, but climbs swiftly if pursued. During the day, adult pairs or lone individuals sleep in holes in trees. If disturbed, they stick their heads out. This behaviour is well known to rural residents, who report them occupying trees near water and always being in pairs. Pairs may travel and forage together at night. The diet probably includes fruit and young leaves. Its litter size is 1 to 2 young and breeding may occur year-round (Emmons et al. 2015).

This species is found from central Panama (including the Isla San Miguel in the Gulf of Panama), south along the Pacific coast of Colombia and into northwestern Ecuador (Fabre 2016, Emmons et al. 2015). Two subspecies exist, with both occurring in Panama. One is the insular nominotypical form and the other is darlingi Thomas. There has been no evaluation of variation in populations from Colombia or Ecuador (Emmons et al. 2015).

It occurs in protected areas in Panama. Further surveys are needed into its distribution, threats, status, and ecological requirements.