Most of the genus' historically recognized diversity occurs in Europe, with many proposed species having eventually been synonymized with the widespread S.carinata. For much of the 20th century, the genus was little studied taxonomically. However, starting with the work of Wolfgang Schawaller, a number of distinct species were newly described or revalidated in recent decades from eastern Asia and Africa, so it may well be that additional unrecognized species exist. As of 2025, the described species are:[1]
The Black Snail Beetle Phosphuga atrata was initially included in the present genus, and the supposed species S.fusca, S.nitida, S.paedemontana, S.punctata and S.shakotana are assigned to it today.
Silpha tricostata fossil, about 12.5 million years old
In addition, some prehistoric Silpha species have been named from fossil remains. The genus is attested as much as 25 million years ago at the end of the Oligocene, while an even older record around 35 million years ago is of more uncertain affiliations. The fossil species, sorted by decreasing age, are:[1]
