Soldier Flies often superficially resemble wasps or bees in appearance and behavior. Adults vary widely in color and shape. Wings at rest are folded scissorlike across the abdomen. Antennae characteristic in having a long terminal segment which, when bent, gives a flagged appearance but many soldier flies have aristate antennae (more club-like). Adults are identified by their wing venation.

Larvae are elongate, torpedo-shaped and may be flattened, with the skin or exoskeleton of some species firm and somewhat tough. Head is generally small and narrower than the body. The body bears no legs or other prominent features except body spines, although aquatic species may possess a rosette of hairs on the end of their bodies that is used to float on the surface of water to gain access to air and to trap air bubbles that are used for respiration while the larvae are submerged.  Larvae are found in a variety of situations, but mostly associated with decaying plant matter from leaf litter to rotting fruits, under bark of fallen trees or aquatic habitats.  

Adults are often found on leaves in sunny forest patches and some frequent flowers.