Hybotidae share some similarities with the family Dolichopodidae, when looking at rotation of genitalia and wing characteristics.

Furthermore, it can be distinguished from Dolichopodidae by the point of vein Rs, which it at a distance from the humeral crossvein (h) equal to or longer than the length of h.[1] The Hybotidae clearly form a lineage quite distinct from the Empididae.

Among the Empidoidea, they represent a lineage more basal than the main radiation of Empididae and Dolichopodidae, though they are not as ancient as the genera placed in the Atelestidae.

The status of the Ocydromiinae as a natural group is less clear, in particular whether the Trichininae should be included as tribe Trichinini or even in the Bicellariini[4] or Oedaleini,[5] or whether they are more distinct and warrant recognition as a separate subfamily.

Atelestinae Nemedininae Bicellariinae Hybotinae Oedaleinae Ocydromiinae Trichininae Tachydromiini Symballophthalmini Drapetini Dolichopodidae Iteaphilinae Ragadinae Clinocerinae Brachystomatini Ceratomerini Trichopezini Chelipodini Empidini Hemerodromiini Hilarini