The parti-coloured bat is a medium-sized (wingspan 270-310 mm), robust bat with dark brown snout and membrane, and short broad ears. Its long fur is unmistakably bicoloured: a dark brown base and silver white tips, lending this species a permanently 'frosted' look.

This species can be found in both urban, mountainous and agricultural areas. It is known to roost in crevices of buildings and trees during the summer; during winter, crevices in buildings are preferred to underground sites.

With a rapid and agile flight reminiscent of Nyctalus species, Vespertilio murinus usually hunts swarming midges and other small insects. This species prefers to forage over open spaces and using aerial hawking techniques.