The genus Axarus is widely distributed with records from the Holarctic, the Neotropics and Australasia . There are currently 5 described nearctic species . Erected as a subgenus (Anceus) of Xenochironomus , Axarus was subsequently renamed and elevated to generic status .
Axarus is a genus with a broad geographical range, covering the Holarctic, Neotropics, and Australasia. Currently, there are five recognized species within this genus, which was initially part of the subgenus Anceus in Xenochironomus before being reclassified as a full genus.