Unlike the common spotted flat, the semi-transparent white spots on the upperside of the forewings are separated from each other.
It also has distinct rows of pale yellow spots on the hindwing and the hairy fringe of the wings (cilia) is chequered with black and white.
All the spotted flats have similar habits and habitats.
The Malabar spotted flat is more likely to be found under boulders and logs overhanging forest streams.

In 1891 Edward Yerbury Watson described it as:
Upperside dark olive-brown, the whole surface irrorated with delicate yellowish-olive scales: forewing with an oblique transverse discal series of pale yellowish-white semi-transparent spots, the first large and within the extremity of the cell, being indented exteriorly, the second small and some distance beyond, the third large and beneath the latter; below the last are two other small spots; and one-third from the base beneath the cell is a small round similar spot; above the first on the costa is a small brighter yellow spot, which is not transparent; before the apex are five rather large similar spots, the three upper conjugated as are also the other two; one or two lower submarginal very indistinct orange-coloured spots: hindwing with a row of ill-defined orange-coloured submarginal spots, and others still less defined nearer the base: cilia of both wings broad, alternate brown and yellowish-white.
Underside paler, more uniform in colour; markings as above.

— Edward Yerbury Watson
Wingspan: 45 to 55 mm.
Unlike the common spotted flat, the semi-transparent white spots on the upperside of the forewings are separated from each other. It also has distinct rows of pale yellow spots on the hindwing and the hairy fringe of the wings (cilia) is chequered with black and white. All the spotted flats have similar habits and habitats. The Malabar spotted flat is more likely to be found under boulders and logs overhanging forest streams.
In 1891 Edward Yerbury Watson described it as:
Upperside dark olive-brown, the whole surface irrorated with delicate yellowish-olive scales: forewing with an oblique transverse discal series of pale yellowish-white semi-transparent spots, the first large and within the extremity of the cell, being indented exteriorly, the second small and some distance beyond, the third large and beneath the latter; below the last are two other small spots; and one-third from the base beneath the cell is a small round similar spot; above the first on the costa is a small brighter yellow spot, which is not transparent; before the apex are five rather large similar spots, the three upper conjugated as are also the other two; one or two lower submarginal very indistinct orange-coloured spots: hindwing with a row of ill-defined orange-coloured submarginal spots, and others still less defined nearer the base: cilia of both wings broad, alternate brown and yellowish-white. Underside paler, more uniform in colour; markings as above.
— Edward Yerbury Watson
Wingspan: 45 to 55 mm.
Celaenorrhinus ambareesa