It occurs in the Guiana Highlands and nearby forested lowlands. It is mainly arboreal but also comes to the ground. Some older records south of the Amazon are assigned to the separate species Rhipidomys emiliae in the source.
Its dorsal fur ranges from grey brown to richer reddish or orange brown, while the underside is creamy white. The account describes moderately large ears and slender hind feet.
It lives in lowland rainforest and is primarily arboreal, although it also comes down to the ground. Records include animals found in building rafters or thatched roofs.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.