Abstract
The higher classification of New World Ascalaphidae is modified to reflect new information and many changes proposed in various papers over the past 70 years. The attempt has been made to retain as much as possible the traditional conceptual structure, whenever warranted. Keys and synoptic descriptions are provided for American subfamilies, tribes and genera. One new synonomy (Episperches Gerstaecker = Amoea Lefèbvre), one new name (Ascalobyas for Byas Rambur) and one new genus (Neohaploglenius) are proposed.