The majority have a pale yellow integument and bright iridescent green, red or purple eyes.

There has been no comprehensive taxonomic study to elucidate the generic limits of species in the family.

Currently, only four genera are recognised, but ongoing studies of the African species indicate that there are more.

[5][6][7] The biology of Chyromyidae is poorly known and no life history of any species has been elucidated.

Some species have been reared from guano and dung, from debris in tree hollows, and bird and mammalian nests.