The plantain squirrel is extremely adaptable, occurring in a wide range of habitats including secondary and coastal forest, mangrove, plantations, parklands and semi-urban areas. Diurnal in habits it feeds mainly on fruits, especially those planted by man such as rambutan and jackfruit, however it will also eat insects such as ants.

It is easily identified by the two cream and black stripes on the sides, the orange belly, and the lack of a pale spot behind the ear. The upper side is brown. As with most other Callosciurus species, the nest consists of a spherical arrangement of twigs and leaves, lined with fur and with a round entrance hole. This can be located from around 5 metres above the ground to much greater heights where the canopy allows.

The species ranges from Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok and Borneo. In Singapore it is abundant and has adapted well to urbanization. Six subspecies are recognized.