The outward similarity apparently is the result of adaptation to the same kind of environment. Actually, the systematic position of this family is uncertain. These rodents, with the exception of the genus Zenkerella, have a gliding membrane on the side of the body that extends between the forelimbs and the hind limbs and between the hind legs and the tail. This gliding membrane resembles that of the flying squirrels and the Australian flying possum, Petaurus. In the anomalurids, however, the membrane is supported in front by a rod of cartilage, which emerges from the elbow joint rather than from the wrist as in the true flying squirrels.
All genera have two rows of overlapping, keeled scales on the underside of the tail near the base.
The upper side of the tail is bushy, and the tip of the tail is often tufted. The fur is silky and usually brilliantly colored. The ears and eyes are large. The digits are well developed and have strong claws. Males have a baculum.