The validity of the subspecies F. l. dravidianus based on a single specimen from the southern tip of India has been questioned,[3] and is probably a juvenile F.

Few observations are known out of central hills, such as from Trincomalee and Matara districts, but it remains unresolved.

It is a diurnal species as other squirrels of the genus and forage in full daytime.

The main predators of this little creature are snakes, raptor birds, civets and small cats.

Unlike other squirrels, they are slightly omnivores that eat fruits, young shoots, nuts and also insects when herbivore diets scarce.

About 3 offspring are produced per time within a nest made by grass, leaves and fiber plant parts in forest canopy.