family in need of revision (papers by Bliven and Halstead caused confusion)(3)
Numbers
~20 spp. in 3 genera* in our area, ~190 spp. in 15 genera of 3 tribes in the New World (all in the Larginae)(4)(3), and ~200 spp. in 2 subfamilies worldwide
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*the species listed under Pararhaphe in (3) is now treated in Arhaphe(5)
Size
worldwide, up to 55 mm
Identification
Mostly stout-bodied, with no ocelli, and four-segmented rostrum(3); distinctive wing venation; Arhaphini are ant-like
Range
much of the world, mostly tropical; the nominate subfamily is restricted to the New World, another one, to the Old World(4); in our area, widespread in the US but by far more diverse in the south, esp. southwest(3)
Habitat
ground-dwelling or associated with the vegetative parts of forbs, shrubs and trees(6)