They get their name from the similarity of their often prominent proboscis that looks like the beak of a snipe.

[3] Rhagionidae are medium-sized to large flies with slender bodies and stilt-like legs.

The mouthparts are adapted for piercing and many species are haematophagous as adults, while others are predatory on other insects.

They are typically brown and yellow flies, and lack bristles.

[5] Arthrocerinae Williston, 1886[6] Chrysopilinae Bezzi, 1903[7] Rhagioninae Latreille, 1802[1] Spaniinae Frey, 1954[10] Incertae sedis