This species is aerial insectivore, it can be found in evergreen and dry deciduous forest, pasture, and populated areas (Reid 2009). It roosts in caves and houses, often in large groups. In Costa Rica, 76 individuals were captured from a single roost (Timm et al. 1989). A long-term study in Yucatan, Mexico, found this species to be the most commonly encountered molossid in the region (Bowles et al. 1990). Individuals are most active during the first 2 hours after sunset and again before dawn. The diet consists mainly of moths, with some beetles and other insects taken. In Yucatan, pregnant females have been recorded from March to June (Reid 2009). A large colony in Puerto Viejo contained at least some pregnant females in most months of the year round reproduction. However, a far large percentage were pregnant in May than in later months. (LaVal and Rodriguez-H. 2002). May be found in rural and urban areas.

This species occurs from Sinaloa and Michoacan (Mexico) to Colombia, Guyana, Surinam, and French Guiana; Trinidad (Simmons, 2005). It occurs in lowlands to 2,400 m (usually below 1,000 m).

It is found in protected areas. Further studies are needed into the distribution, habitat, ecology, and threats to this species.