[1] Ameroseiidae can be recognised by: a well-sclerotised and often strongly ornamented dorsal shield; usually 27-30 pairs of setae on the dorsal shield and setae J5 always absent; the sternal shield often reduced to 2 pairs of setae with st3 on shield or on platelets; the corniculi often toothed; the chelicerae sometimes with a membranous lobe; and the tectum usually simple, smoothly (rarely toothed) triangular or weakly to strongly mucronate.

[3] Ameroseiids occur in many habitats including forest litter, garden mulch, dead wood and associated fungi, flowers, animal nests, tree hollows, humid soils and various anthropogenic structures (e.g. houses, offices, farms, granaries).

Unlike most mesostigmatans, they typically feed on non-animal foods such as fungi.

Some species feed on pollen and nectar, and these are the ones associated with flowers and flower-feeding animals.

[3] Some species of Ameroseiidae are phoretic on insects or other animals, riding these to disperse to new habitats.