Small, largely dull black, coarsely sculptured.

Just one submarginal cell, one discoidal cell, and the subcoidal cell open posteriorly. The latter is one of the key differences between Nitela and Auchenophorus.

No closed cells in hindwing. Again, this is key difference between Nitela and Auchenophorus.

Jugal lobe present, but small.

Eyes converging above. Ocelli normal.

Antennae set very low on face, convergent with clypeal suture. Antennal sockets surrounded by basin (‘scapal basin’).

Pronotal collar moderately long. The transverse groove is a common, but not universal, feature of the genus.

Propodeum long, without dorsal enclosure, the posterior surface flat and nearly vertical.

Gaster sessile.

No pygidial plate.