It was previously considered a subspecies of the rainbow lorikeet,[2] but following a review in 1997,[3] it is increasingly treated as a separate species.

[4][5] In addition to the nominate subspecies from Sumbawa, it includes the subspecies mitchellii ("Mitchell's lorikeet") from Bali and Lombok, djampeanus ("Djampea lorikeet") from the small island Tanah Jampea, and stresemanni ("Stresemann's lorikeet") from the small island Kalaotoa.

[4] It is the darkest and arguably most strongly marked member of the rainbow lorikeet group, with a dark bluish head that contrasts strongly with a lime green nape and a deep scarlet (most subspecies) or deep orange (subspecies stresemanni) breast, that again contrasts strongly with the dark bluish belly.

[6] Its small range combined with extensive habitat destruction and capture for the parrot trade gives cause for serious concerns.

It remains fairly common on Sumbawa, but is scarce or rare elsewhere.