Carpophilinae are distinguished from other Nitidulidae in the Nearctic Region by the following combination of characters: Elytra short and truncate apically, not covering pygidium and 1-2 preceding tergites; terminal segment of the labial palpi somewhat enlarged, shorter to slightly longer than wide, widely truncate at apex; antennal grooves often very long, almost confluent posteriorly; elytra lacking sutural striae, long marginal hairs laterally, longitudinal carinae, and rows of longitudinal setae, hairs, or punctures (Habeck 2002).