The bat is relatively small, with adults measuring only 6 cm (2.4 in) in head-body length, and weighing between 20 and 28 g (0.7 and 1 oz).

It is very similar in appearance to the closely related highland yellow-shouldered bat, but with a more uniform dark colour, a longer, narrower, head, and larger canine teeth.

The forearm has a thick coating of fur for about a third of its length, whereas there is only sparse hair on the hind feet.

Other distinctive features include a notch at the tip of the tragus, and the presence of two points on each of the upper middle incisors.

[2] It inhabits damp tropical forests at elevations of up to 3,000 m (9,800 ft), where it feeds on fruits such as those of Cecropia, Anthurium, Centropogon, and Musa.