Small flies, convex, ovoid and heavily sclerotized, without wings, halteres, and scutellum; length ranging from about 1.5-1.7 mm. Head short; eyespots minute and without ocelli. Claws modified, comb-like. Abdomen with six pleural sclerites; body covered generally with numerous stiff setae. Immature stages live in wax combs of honey bees and adults attach themselves to adult honey bees.