[1][2] Mites of this family have the cheliceral bases fused into a structure called a stylophore, which can be moved independently of the subcapitulum and can be retracted into the prodorsum.

The movable digits of the chelicerae resemble stylets, being greatly elongated, and their bases are strongly recurved within the stylophore.

There is a pair of well-developed peritremes embedded anteriorly on the prodorsum, ending in protruberant enlargements.

Males possess aedeagi which are used to directly transfer sperm to females.

Some species of Tetranychidae, Tenuipalpidae and Tuckerellidae are pests of agricultural and ornamental plants.