Hesioninae Microphthalminae Ophiodrominae and see text Hesionidae are a family of phyllodocid "Bristle worms" (class Polychaeta).

[1] A characteristic apomorphy of the Hesionidae are the cirrophores of the anterior segments, which are well-developed cup-like sheaths; the cirri of the subsequent segments insert into the parapodia directly, or with just a vestigial cirrophore.

[2] As phyllodocids, the Hesionidae belong to the order Aciculata, one of the three main clades of polychaetes.

They appear to be part of the basal radiation of the main lineage of phyllodocids, alongside such families as the ragworms (Nereididae), the Pilargidae and Sphaerodoridae which are closely related to each other, the very ancient Syllidae, and perhaps the more advanced catworms (Nephtyidae).

[3] Numerous genera are still treated as Hesionidae incertae sedis, not reliably assignable to either of the three generally recognized hesionid subfamilies:[4] [6]