It has black flight membranes and its fur is a consistent shade of red over its entire body.Two individuals captured in Honduras had forearm lengths of 50–51 mm (2.0–2.0 in) and body weights of 16–17 g (0.56–0.60 oz).Its ear length is approximately 18 mm (0.71 in).Its wingspan is approximately 390.3 mm (15.37 in).
The big red bat is found in Central and South America.Its range includes Panama, Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname.In 1998, the species was documented in Honduras for the first time.This marked a 1,200 km (750 mi) extension of the species' range from the previously known northern limit.
This species is infrequently encountered.The capture of two individuals in Honduras in 1998 marked the fifth and sixth individuals ever documented.Due to the lack of information on its ecology, geographic extent, population size, and threats it faces, the IUCN lists this species as data deficient as of 2016.
