[3] The term megalotis is derived from the two Greek words "megas" and "otos," which means "large" and "ears", respectively.

Some special physical features of Erinaceidae are that they have rounded bodies, pointed noses, and short tails.

[5] The members of Erinaceidae are considered to be omnivores,[6] and some of their foods are insects, frogs, mice, fruits, and roots.

[5] Instead, gymnures usually have stiff, bristly furs, and they produce a pungent smell when they feel threatened.

Compared to other Hylomys species, H. megalotis has rounder, more prominent, and larger ears.

[7] It is typically found in areas where there are massive limestone karst that is covered in large boulders, with heavily degraded mixture of deciduous forest, scrub, and bamboos.