The holotype was collected by George F. Gaumer, and presented to Thomas by Osbert Salvin.

[2] It can be differentiated from the other species of Promops, the brown mastiff bat, by its longer forearm.

[3] It is a social animal, roosting in small colonies of up to 6 individuals during the day.

[4] The big crested mastiff bat is found in Central and South America.

It is found in Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.