Of the subfamilies, both Astreptolabidinae and Burmapygiinae are extinct and known solely from fossils found in Burmese amber.

Living members of the family are found in Australia, South Africa,[2] North America,[3] and Asia.

The typical pygidicranid bodyplan includes a small, flattened-looking body, which has a dense covering of bristly hairs (setae).

The head is broad, with the fourth, fifth and sixth antenna segments (antennomeres) that are not transverse.

[4] Current Pygidicranidae subfamilies and genera, as listed in the Dermaptera Species File.