Formerly classified in the Vampyressa genus, phylogenetic analyses support its inclusion in Vampyriscus.

[2][3] Small in size, it measures only 5 to 6 cm (2.0 to 2.4 in) in head-body length, and weighs approximately 12 g (0.42 oz).

The fur is pale to dark brown over most of the body, becoming slightly paler on the neck and shoulders, and fading to greyish on the underparts.

There are white stripes on each side of the face; a broader one above the eyes, and a narrower, less distinct one, running along the cheek.

[5] The bidentate yellow-eared bat is distributed throughout much of northern South America east of the Andes, including eastern Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, southern Venezuela, northern Bolivia and Brazil, and throughout the Guyanas.