They generally are small flies (length 7 mm or less) with large compound eyes that often are brightly coloured in life, sometimes with characteristic horizontal stripes, such as in Cestrotus species.

Most species inhabit forests, where the adults usually are found sitting on leaves of the understory.

[2] For terms, see Morphology of Diptera Lauxaniidae are small flies (2–7 mm in length).

The head varies in shape, with the face potentially projecting or retreating, and may be convex, flat, or concave, often lacking oral vibrissae (though sometimes poorly developed or occasionally featuring strong bristles near the vibrissal angle).

Larvae of some mine fallen leaves, others live in rotten wood, and some cause deformation of the flowers and pistils of violets.