[3] The larval stage of Atyphella is morphologically similar to the Luciola larval stage, the key difference being that the Atyphella possess a series of flat projections on the sides of the body (known as explanate tergites).

[4] The adult Atyphella head is concealed under an extended pronotum and recessed into the prothoracic cavity.

However, it has been observed that some species can extend the head beyond the pronotum in active searching when on the ground.

[4] Other notable morphological features of the genus Atyphella include a head longer than it is wide and ventrally subcontiguous eyes.

This is the current accepted taxonomy, sitting as a sister group to Pygoluciola.