[1][2] Ploiaria can be recognised by the head without ventral spine-like setae, the medially emarginated posterior margin of the prosternum, the posterior pronotal lobe covering only the extreme base of the mesonotum, the scutellum and metanotum lacking spines, the profemora lacking a process with several spine-like setae, and three-segmented protarsi.

[3] These bugs live in various habitats ranging from tropical forests to deserts and even oceanic islands (presumably reached by rafting on tree trunks).

Their microhabitat range includes trees, epiphytes, leaf litter, under bark and under stones.

The species P. chilensis and P. domestica are synanthropes, meaning they are associated with human habitats.

They have been recorded feeding on prey such as Phlebotomus flies, mosquitoes and planthoppers.