They are a diverse lineage, spreading throughout the warm parts of Eurasia into temperate Europe and East Asia and south to the Australian region.

[1] Several tropical species, notably of the genus Pteroptyx, are of local economic importance.

Their displays will self-synchronize until the entire local firefly population flashes in the same rhythm, creating a stunning spectacle that is popular with tourists.

The most well-known location to witness these displays is on the Selangor River at Kampong Kuantan, Malaysia.

The group has recently been examined using molecular phylogenetics, using fairly comprehensive sampling.