[2] It was previously considered a subspecies of H. turpis, along with H. alongensis, but has now been raised to full species level.

The anterior nose leaf does not cover the muzzle, and it has 4 lateral leaflets, with the outer one being very small.

[2] The species is found in the Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Sithammarat, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang and Phattalung provinces of Thailand.

It was also observed sharing caves with other bat species such as Hipposideros armiger, H. larvatus, H. diadema, Megaderma lyra, and Eonycteris spelaea.

The species roosts in limestone caves surrounded by rubber, oil palm plantations, or temples and villages.