The aeolids named  after the Greek god, Aeolis, god of the wind, are characterized by clusters, groups, or rows of long, finger-like, smooth dorsal cerata. The cerata contain lobes of the digestive gland. It is the cerata which, due to their bright and different colors, separate the various species for identification purposes. In this group, the cerata are observed to store nematocysts in their tips. These stinging cells are acquired from the sea anemones and hydroids the nudibranchs feed on. They are transported in an undischarged state through the digestive system and into the cnidosacs at the tips of the cerata, where they are ultimately used in the aeolid's own defense.

The elongate rhinophores are not retractile, as in some dorid species. They may be smooth or highly ornamented with wrinkles, annulations or perfoliations. Members of this suborder usually have long, graceful oral tentacles.

The suborder is also characterized by strong jaws. The radula is a narrow ribbon bearing only a single series of rachidian teeth in all genera, except Flabillina, Eubranchus, and Cummanotus who retain a lateral tooth on either side of the rachidian tooth. 

Members of this group are carnivorous, feeding primarily on hydroids. Sea anemones, bryozoans, gorgonians, and the eggs of other opisthobranchs are also components of the diet. Members of this suborder are known to be highly prey specific, creating wide fluctuations in their frequency of occurrence. Large swings in population numbers are observed as the aeolids follow the availability of their highly seasonal cnidarian prey.