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This species is endemic to South Asia and is only found in India and Sri Lanka. The Hipposideridae genus comprises of 69 species found in tropical parts of the world. Five species belonging to this genus are found in the country. These are insectivorous bats, which use the ultrasonic sounds produced from their nostrils for orientation and capture of their insect prey in flight.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

This is the commonest bat species in Sri Lanka and is found throughout the lowlands up to an altitude of about 1400 meters. These bats are seen in large colonies in old buildings, under culverts, caves etc. They are fast flying bats and are known to feed on Beetles, Termites and Mosquitos.

In Wipattu these bats can be observed in the abandoned buildings at Maradanmaduwa. I have seen them in the old houses at Hunuwilagama as well. Photographing bats is often a challenge due to the low light conditions under which they are usually encountered during the day. Once you move in to an old building or a cave where these bats are found with your camera keep your movements to a minimum and let the animals settle down before starting to photograph them. If your patient they will often settle down quite close. As you may need to use the flash, which often disturbs them, keep the number of photographs to a minimum.