The family contains about 90 genera and 900 species found across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

[3] Clubtails have small, widely separated compound eyes, a trait they share with the Petaluridae and with damselflies.

They spend much time at rest, perching in a suitable position to dart forth to prey on flying insects.

Larger species may perch with a drooping abdomen or lie flat on a leaf.

The nymphs are unusual in having a flat mentum, part of the mouthparts, and their antennae have only four segments.