The Cryptochetidae are a small family of tiny flies (generally 2 to 4 mm long).

Generally they are metallic blue black, stoutly built, with the head broad and high and with clear wings.

The family name refers to this unusual distinction; "Cryptochetidae" literally means "those with hidden bristles".

The first instar is sac-like and lacks both trophi and tracheae but at the caudal end it bears a pair of finger-like processes.

[2] These three genera belong to the family Cryptochetidae: This article related to members of the muscomorph fly subsection Acalyptratae is a stub.