The dorsal part of mandible is without tubercle and without setose cavity. The genitalia also comprise a U-shaped evenly setose paramere; setae becoming sparse apically. The mouthparts are densely setose, which helps to filter particles out of the water. Lastly, Glossosomatid adult have widely spaced mesal setose warts on their prothorax. According to Whitworth, the distinguishing characteristic of this subfamily is a setose stem vein. Their bodies are often highly setose, and the pattern of setae is often taxonomically important.