[1][2][3] Netelia generally are entirely orange to brownish yellow in color and are medium to large in size, with a fore wing measuring between 6 and 20 mm.

They have large ocelli, which often touch the compound eyes and mandibles that are twisted 90°.

[5] In contrast to the superficially similar Ophioninae, the forewing usually has veins 2r-m and 3r-m present, the latter of which forms a small, triangular areolet, and has the Rs vein strongly bent as it approaches 3r-m.

The ovipositor is also prominent, ranging from 0.3 to 0.7 times the length of the hind tibia.

The only reliable way to diagnose species is through examination of male genitalia, particularly a structure on the clasper.