The dusky caenolestid is characterized by a dark brown coat with a lighter underbelly, soft and thick fur, and a loosely haired tail.

A nocturnal animal (active mainly at night), the dusky caenolestid lives on trees and feeds on insects and small invertebrates and vertebrates.

[4] In the latter part of 20th century, scientists believed that Caenolestes is closely related to Lestoros (the Incan caenolestid).

[8] The dusky caenolestid is characterized by a dark brown coat with a lighter underbelly, soft and thick fur, and a loosely haired tail.

[10] Diet consists of lepidopteran larvae, insects, rodents, arachnids and centipedes; plant material may be eaten as well.

The caenolestid faces competition from the wandering small-eared shrew, and is thus rare, in montane regions of Ecuador.