Of Sherrin, Thomas wrote, "every mammalogist who has visited the Museum is indebted [to him] for assistance .

[his] admirable preparation of tiny skulls and tinier bacula has so immensely helped in the mammalian work done both by staff and visitors.

"[2] It was largely considered a synonym of the greater long-eared bat until approximately 2009.

[3] It can be differentiated from other Nyctophilus species by its unique combination of traits: a large size, larger third molars, and a more narrow skull.

Additionally, it has a narrow snout, expanded braincase, and fairly large auditory bullae.