Initially, subfamilies within the Muscidae were recognised; the early Platystomatidae belonging to the Ortalides, but toward the end of the 19th century, many of these subfamilies were raised to family status, at which point the Ortalides became the Ortalidae. The name Otitidae became a replacement name for Ortalides, until Hendel's significant contribution and re-organisation of the genera of the World  firmly placed the Platystomatidae as a subfamily of Muscaridae, divided into several tribes.
Initially, subfamilies in the Muscidae were recognized; the early Platystomatidae belonged to the Ortalides. By the end of the 19th century, many of these subfamilies were elevated to family status, at which point the Ortalides became the Ortalidae. The name Otitidae replaced Ortalides until Hendel's work and reorganization firmly established the Platystomatidae as a subfamily within Muscaridae.