Some species are commonly called "root-maggots", as the larvae are found in the stems and roots of various plants.

[2] Others are scavengers in such places as birds' nests; yet other species are leaf miners; the family also includes inquilines, commensals, and parasitic larvae.

In some contexts, like mountain environments, the adults can be common flower visitors,[4] also being involved in pollination.

Anthomyiidae, commonly referred to as "root-maggot flies," exhibit small to moderate sizes and distinctive anatomical features, including hypopleural bristles on the thorax and a characteristic wing vein structure.

Furthermore, the close-set or contiguous eyes in males and the limited knowledge about females in many species underscore the need for further research into Anthomyiidae biology and behavior.