[2] Adult Cryptophlebia are moderately sized moths with brown forewings and variable, subdued patterns.

The genitalia of males has swollen valvae with multiple long spines on the cucullus' inner surface.

[2] Larvae are mostly whitish or pinkish, except for a brown head and prothoracic shield, and dark pinacula (sclerotised plates bearing setae).

[2] Cryptophlebia larvae are borers in a range of plant tissues: stems, fruits, pods, nuts and seeds.

[2] A population of C. ombrodelta in Western Australia has an unusual ecology, as its larvae mostly inhabit woody galls of Acacia saligna with only one report from macadamia.