It is a nocturnal pelagic predator that feeds almost exclusively on the endemic amphipod Hyalella montezuma, which it detects using passive sonar and swallows whole.

Adults of M. montezuma may reach a length of 71 mm (2.8 in) including the suckers at the front and rear.

[3] Motobdella montezuma is closely related to the genus Erpobdella,[4] which includes species that are widespread across North America from Alaska to Mexico.

[6] Motobdella montezuma is nocturnal, resting at the bottom of the well during the day, when predatory waterfowl are present.

The cocoon is placed deep enough to avoid the attention of ducks and other predators, and the eggs hatch into self-sufficient juveniles.