This species strongly prefers multistratal tropical evergreen forest although it is occasionally taken in dryer habitats near streams. It roosts in small groups in tree cavities, or large groups in caves. These roosting congregations are divided up into smaller permanent social units consisting of harems of a single male and several females and their young, and groups of non-breeding bachelors. Apparently it is strongly disposed to feed on fruits, but it may also take nectar and pollen and large insects (Gardner 1977). It also hunts aerially above the forest canopy. These bats emerge from their roosts at complete darkness and forage for about two hours before returning to the roost.

This species ranges across Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and southeastern Brazil (Eisenberg 1989, Lim and Engstrom 2000) in the lowlands only.

It is recommended to reduce loss of forest habitats.