They have a characteristic row of stout spines running lengthwise along the foreleg tibia, and a cyclostome depression above the mandibles.

[2] Some Doryctinae are known to form galls on plants similar to the Mesostoinae (a small subfamily endemic to Australia).

[2] The spines present on the foreleg of the adult enable it to escape from the narrow wooden tunnels of the hosts.

[4] The species Spathius agrili has been introduced to the United States from China in an effort to control the emerald ash borer.

[5] Doryctinae is considered to be part of the cyclostome group, a clade of subfamilies including Alysiinae, Betylobraconinae, Braconinae, Gnamptodontinae, Exothecinae, Hormiinae, Lysiterminae, Opiinae, Pambolinae, Rogadinae, Rhysipolinae, and Rhyssalinae.