The name Chrotopterus is derived from Greek roots chariots (skin, color), and pteron (wing).

They also possess two lower incisors, a trait typically shared with smaller bats.

Big woolly-eared bats live in warm subtropical forests, usually roosting in caves and hollow logs, where prey is returned to before consumption.

Colony sizes vary between one and seven individuals, consisting of a male-female adult pair and their pup(s).

[5] Big-eared woolly bats give birth to a single young per reproduction cycle, after a gestation period of more than 100 days.