Mexican long-tongued bats are known to inhabit deep canyons in small, insular, mountain ranges (Wilson and Ruff 1999). This species can be found in desert scrub, tropical deciduous, and mixed pine-oak forest (Reid 2009). It roosts in caves and mines, less commonly in buildings and culverts. Individuals are spaced 2 to 5 cm apart and hang near the roost entrance where they remain alert and fly out if disturbed. This species leaves the roost shortly after sunset, and feeds on pollen and nectar of agaves, cacti, Ipomoea, Ceiba, and other plants. Cactus fruits are also eaten, as well as insects (occasionally). In southeast Arizona, this bat often visits hummingbird feeders, where it hovers in flight while lapping the nectar. Northern populations migrate south for the winter. Young are born in June to July in Arizona and New Mexico (Arroyo-Cabrales et al. 1987, Reid 2009), and earlier to the south, with pregnant females from March to September (Wilson and Ruff 1999).

This species is known from Honduras and El Salvador to south California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico (USA), with a single record from south Texas (Wilson and Ruff 1999, Simmons 2005). It occurs from lowlands to 2,400 m (Arroyo-Cabrales et al. 1987, Reid 2009).

Found in protected areas. In Mexico it is listed as threatened under NOM - 059 - SEMARNAT - 2001 (Arroyo-Cabrales pers. comm.). This species is considered Sensitive by the U.S. Forest Service, is considered to be Rare in Texas and Mexico, is proposed as a Species of Special Concern in California, and is included in Arizona Game and Fish Department's wildlife of Special Concern in Arizona.