Family very close to Culicidae. Adult small to medium, 1.4-10 mm long, delicate, usually pale yellow, gray, or brown; ocelli absent; antenna plumose in male, with pedicel greatly enlarged; most veins covered with slender scales. Larva aquatic, with distinct head capsule, prehensile antennae, and greatly reduced labral brushes; thorax enlarged; respiratory siphon sometimes present.