It was described as a new species in 2007. The holotype had been collected in 2001.[2] This holotype represents the only individual documented of this species as of 2016.[1] The eponym for the species name "giovanniae" is American poet Nikki Giovanni, "in recognition of her poetry and writings." Based on analysis of the cytochrome b gene, its closest relative is the Matses' big-eared bat, M. matses.[2]
It is a medium-sized member of the genus Micronycteris. Unlike some species of the genus, its belly fur is dark. The only known individual of this species had a forearm length of 37 mm (1.5 in) and weighed 8.6 g (0.30 oz). It is a diploid organism with a karyotype of 2n = 40 and a fundamental number (FN) of 68. It has a dental formulaof2.1.2.32.1.3.3 for a total of 34 teeth.[2]
