The Hispaniolan greater funnel-eared bat was first described scientifically in 1902 by Gerrit Miller as Natulus major.

[3] The holotype was the skin and skull of a male preserved in alcohol, which was collected "near Savanata",[4] presumed to mean Sabaneta.

[11] The genus is characterised by the large, bell-shaped and face-covering natalid organ, by features of the ears and by osteological differences between it and its relatives.

[13] A 2005 study conducted by Adrian Tejedor and colleagues concluded the three populations of Natalus were distinct to a degree that they should be considered separate species, and so the author offered new descriptions of the three.

[7] The fur covering the body of the species is soft and moderately long, with a wool-like texture at the base.

Due to the delicate wing membrane, it is assumed that the species requires relatively humid caves for daytime roosting.

[11] Individuals are assumed to forage in dense vegetation over a limited range near their preferred roost.