It is also known as the Indian false vampire bat or greater false-vampire[1] This species is 6.5–9.5 cm (2.6–3.7 in) in length and weighs 40 to 60 g (1.4 to 2.1 oz).

It occurs in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

[1] This species is highly carnivorous; its diet includes other bats, small birds, reptiles, fish, and large insects.

About 85% of prey is captured during short searching flights in which it flies about half a meter above the ground.

It also utilizes a sit-and-wait strategy, perching about two meters above the ground to wait for prey.