The family includes about 1,450 species worldwide. It is best represented in the tropics, but species are found in every region.

They are moderate to large in size and are distinguished among moths for their agile and sustained flying ability.

Some species fly only for short periods either around dusk or dawn, while other species only appear later in the evening and others around midnight. Some species also feed during daytime on plant nectar.

They can be observed at night from February until November.