This insectivorous microbat, measuring 12 centimetres (4.7 in) in length, roosts in tree hollows during the day and forages over woodland and water at night.

It features a characteristic broad square-shaped muzzle when viewed from above that is formed by swollen, glandular pads.

[3] This species along with other broad-nosed bats have short slender ears, small eyes, a tail enclosed in the uropatagium membrane and only one upper incisor on each side.

[5] Due to similarities in appearance Scotorepens balstoni is most likely to be confused with the other species of small broad-nosed bats (Scotorepens): S. greyii, S. orion, S. sanborni and S. sp..[4][6] Inland broad-nosed bats are distributed widely throughout inland Australia, including arid and semi-arid regions.

[8] In South Australia distribution in arid areas indicates a habitat preference for river red gums following surface drainage systems.

[10] In northern distribution areas they are known to eat cockroaches, termites, crickets, cicadas, bugs, beetles, flies, moths and ants.

[3] Foraging is achieved using echolocation whilst in continuous flight, keeping within 15 metres of the ground, with rapid diversions to pursue prey.

[2] Similar to other arid zone mammals it is likely, especially in southern distribution areas, that the inland broad-nosed bat is able to enter into prolonged periods of torpor, reducing energy and water requirements,[12] Another arid and semi-arid adaption is the ability to tolerate high body temperatures.

The ‘wide distribution, large population and occurrence in a number of protected areas’ places this species within the IUCN Red List category of least concern (Pennay & Lumsden 2008).

[5] Researchers or wildlife rescuers should be aware that the species are known to be aggressive and their strong jaws deliver a painful bite.