They are globally distributed and 17 species are found in North America (Eaton and Kaufman 2006). Larvae of Canadian
Ocyptamus
consider as predators of aphids and scales. Larvae of Neotropical species feed on whiteflies and mites (Vockeroth 1992).
Some tropical species have aquatic larvae (Rotheray et al. 2000).
Ocyptamus
are distinctive with petiolate abdomen. Wings frequently with dark markings and marking pattern differ from species to species (Vockeroth 1992).
