It tolerates dry situations and although it prefers evergreen forest, the species does forage considerably in open fields. Roosting colonies are small, ranging from one to seven, and roosts are in caves and boulder crevices. These bats roost in a variety of habitats in lowland forests including tree trunks, tree hollows, palm fronds, shallow caves, and buildings (Emmons and Feer 1997, Reid 2009). The mating system is based on a monogamous pair, and the male defends his female against intruding males (Bradbury and Vehrencamp 1977). This species shows certain degree of roost fidelity (Hood and Gardner 2008). It usually forages high in open space above the canopy level. Associated with water (streams and rivers). Occurs in open fields outside forests. Associated with tree savannas. Roost in cave entrances in shady rocky areas (L. Davalos and J. Molinari, pers. comm.).

This species ranges from southern Veracruz, Mexico across Amazonian South America (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana) to the Atlantic Forests of Brazil (Simmons 2005). It may range to moderate elevations of 850 m in Venezuela (Handley 1976) or over 1,500 m in Peru and Colombia (Hood and Gardner 2008, Solari et al. 2013). Absent from large areas of Amazonian Brazil, although this area has not been well sampled (J. Molinari, pers. comm).

Conservation of caves and karstic regions, and retention of dense forests and clean sources of water. In Mexico is listed as subject to special protection under NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2001 (J. Arroyo-Cabrales, pers. comm.).