Burton's yellow-shouldered bat is considered medium-sized for
its genus, with a forearm length of approximately . Individuals weigh approximately . The fur on its back is dark brown, with individual hairs banded with four colors. The first band, closest to the body, is pale gray. The second is dark gray, the third is, again, pale gray, and the tip is dark brown. The fur on its belly is also dark brown, though individual hairs are tricolored. It has a
dental formula of for a total of 32 teeth. ==Range and habitat==