The ruddy tree shrew is notable for its reddish-brown tail. It was described from a Borneo specimen and was also recorded in a study in Sarawak, Malaysia.
The back fur and tail are bright bay, without the three black stripes between the shoulders. The tail is dark reddish brown with a redder underside.
At Lambir Hills National Park in Sarawak, seven captured animals were classified as terrestrial because they were trapped on the ground or within 3 m of it.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.