The Bostrichoidea are united by the following features: modified cryptonephridism, the structure of the aedeagus in males, and the lack of a basal mandibular mola in larvae.

For example, in Bostrichidae alone, the adult body shape varies from convex to flattened, the body length from 2 to 50 mm (0.079 to 1.969 in), and the colour may be yellow, brown or black and sometimes has a metallic hue.

For example, many Bostrichidae feed on wood, though some attack monocotyledonous plants as well and Rhyzopertha dominica feeds on stored grains and cereal products.

[2] Similarly, most Ptinidae are wood-borers as larvae but some feed on other dry plant or animal material, such as stored foods, tobacco and museum specimens.

[3] Dermestidae are typically scavengers on dried organic matter with a high protein content, with some species being predators or feeding on pollen and nectar.