The genus Bittacus, comprising approximately 75% of all species within the family, occurs worldwide.

Members of this family may be confused with crane flies, in the order Diptera, but can be distinguished by their two pairs of wings and lack of halteres.

They are distinguished in the fact that during mating the male captures a prey insect and offers it to the female as a nuptial gift.

[1] This list is based on The World Checklist of extant Mecoptera Species.

Extinct genera This Mecoptera related article is a stub.