This family consists of small flies of various colours and wing markings. In life most species of Lauxaniidae have iridescent purplish or greenish eyes. Many species also have wings which are opaque or spotted. Lauxaniidae flies occur over a wide range of environments ranging from mangrove swamps to sand dunes, grasslands to mountain regions and in all types of forest habitats. Most adult species prefer shaded, humid habitats and can often be observed visiting flowers among low vegetation.

Little is known of the larval stages of Lauxaniidae flies but it is thought that most feed on decaying matter and may be found in leaf litter, detritus or even birds' nests. Some adults have been recorded feeding on fungus. It is thought the females lay their eggs among leaf litter where the larvae hatch and develop through several stages before pupating among the litter.