Most species occur in moist habitats - various kinds of rotting plant debris, fungi, dung, carrion, many live in fresh water.

Larval legs are 5-segmented, the 10th abdominal segment is often with more-or-less fine or strong spines or hooks.

Urogomphi (paired "horns" at posterior tip of abdomen of larvae and pupae) with basal articulation.

[1] Staphyliniformia belongs to the suborder Polyphaga and is usually given an infraorder or series rank.

[4] The unambiguous fossil record dates back to Triassic, and an early Mesozoic origin of the group is probable.