The scientific name translates as "rock loving lizard-mouse",[2] while the common name honours Austin Roberts, who first described the species.

The ears are oval in shape, and rise from a common point on the head, unlike those of the closely related genus Mormopterus.

Within this region, it inhabits dry savanna, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, and rocky areas.

[1] The bats are nocturnal, and are often caught over water, where they feed primarily on beetles, bugs, and Hymenopteran insects.

Roosts may harbour up to ten bats, which are often clustered together into smaller, tightly packed groups of up to four individuals each.