Key characteristics of this species include plumose (that is, "feathery") segmented aristae, well-developed calypters, and sternopleural bristles.

[3] Synthesiomyia nudiseta is a forensically important species because it is necrophilous and can therefore help determine the time of colonization for the post mortem interval with its known life cycle.

[8] In more detail, the posterior spiracles on the adult fly have s- shaped slits, which allow for air to enter the insect’s trachea.

[9][10] It is also closely related to Muscina differing primarily in the precise details of larval and adult morphology and in its location.

[11] Larvae prefer carrion as their primary source of food but have been found in feces, rotting vegetable materials, and garbage.

[7][12] During the pre-pupal stage, the larvae begin to excrete a silk-like white liquid from their salivary glands which solidifies into a sort of scleritized protective film from which the puparium will form.

[12][15] Pupation occurs relatively close to the food source of the S. nudiseta larvae because they tend to not typically migrate very far.

Besides the encasing cocoon, the outside environment is also helpful to the protection of this puparium since dust and soil particles have been found coating the outside surface.

Like other Muscidae species, it prefers to surround itself in a wide range from garbage to human and animal remains.

Therefore, in stages of decomposition of forensic importance it is essential to verify all areas in close proximity to the corpse.

In the life cycle during stages of decomposition, S. nudiseta will be inclined to pupate with other species of flies when they arrive later in different waves.

For instance, in Hawaii, S. nudiseta is apt to feed on carrion as a food source and pupation invades similar to the flesh fly genus Sarcophaga, which is the second general decomposition wave.