The southern yellow bat has dusky yellow fur with a furry tail membrane and darker ears and wings. This species roost in dead palm fronds year-round. Its range reaches from the southwestern US to South America. This species is known to migrate and hibernate but has also been observed staying active in the same area year-round. Males may be more likely to migrate south for the winter than females. It is unknown which species of insects the southern yellow bat prefers. Mothers give birth to 2-4 pups at a time.