The Dicranidae are a widespread and diverse subclass of mosses in class Bryopsida, with many species of dry or disturbed areas.

They are distinguished by their spores; the peristome teeth are haplolepideous with a 4:2:3 formula, and an exostome is absent.

[1][2] However, phylogenetic analysis using molecular markers suggested that Dicranales was paraphyletic with respect to Pottiales.

A recently phylogenomic analysis led to a break-up of Dicranales and creation of a number of new small orders.

Catoscopiales Distichiales Flexitrichales Scouleriales Grimmiales Archidiales Pleurophascales Eustichiales Amphidiales Dicranales sensu stricto Rhabdoweisiales Sorapillales Bruchiales Erpodiales Ditrichales Pottiales