The Omalisidae are a small family, comprising the three genera Omalisus, Phaeopterus and Thilmanus, closely related to Lycidae (net-winged beetles) and Lampyridae (fireflies). Their area of distribution is Southern Europe, with exception of one species, Omalisus fontisbellaquaei, which is found from the Balkan peninsula to Central Europe. The larva and the apterous female are only known from a few species.