[4] Carnidae in general are small (1–2 mm) black flies.

[4] One feature of Carnidae is the frons of the head having some orbital setae medioclinate (pointing inwards) and others lateroclinate (pointing outwards).

Larvae have been found in bird and mammal nests, damaged pupae of Sarcophaga sp.

(Apiaceae), Leccinum fungus (Boletaceae), dung, salted fish and plant remains.

[6] Adults of Carnus such as C. hemapterus and C. orientalis are exceptions, feeding on blood of birds.