Neotropical and Nearctic regions; introduced to Palearctic and Oceanic regions. The subfamily is widely distributed throughout the tropical and temperate regions of the Americas and the West Indies. A few species have been inadvertently introduced to the Palearctic and Oceanic regions.
Pronotum simple to highly modified; posterior process entirely concealing scutellum and in some groups partially concealing wings in repose. Forewing with R4+5 and M1+2 confluent for at least short distance near apex; r-m crossvein absent; claval apex truncate. Tibiae simple, not foliaceous. Metathoracic coxa and trochanter unarmed; tibia with 3 longitudinal rows or bands of cucullate setae (exceptions: Thuridini without row I and some Polyglyptini without rows I and III). Abdomen without conspicuous pits, fenestrae, and dorsal protuberances (exception: some Ceresini with abdominal protuberances dorsally).
Lewis L. Deitz, Matthew S. Wallace, Stuart H. McKamey, and Mark J. Rothschild, 18 February 2018.