[1] Chilonatalus macer was described as a new species in 1914 by American zoologist Gerrit Smith Miller Jr.

[2] Prior to 2011, it was frequently included as a subspecies within the Cuban funnel-eared bat, Chilonatalus micropus.

It is a colonial species, and forms aggregations in caves typically consisting of 30-50 individuals.

Fossil evidence supports that it was once found on the island of Grand Cayman as well.

In Cuba, it has been documented at a range of elevations from 0–230 m (0–755 ft) above sea level.