Black Scavenger Flies

Sepsidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sepsidae: //ˈsɛpsɪˌdaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Saltella sphondylii by This image is created by user Dick Belgers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Themira lohmanus (10.3897-zookeys.698.13411) Figure 3 by Ang Y, Rajaratnam G, Su KFY, Meier R (2017) Hidden in the urban parks of New York City: Themira lohmanus, a new species of Sepsidae described based on morphology, DNA sequences, mating behavior, and reproductive isolation (Sepsidae, Diptera). ZooKeys 698: 95-111. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.698.13411. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Themira lohmanus (10.3897-zookeys.698.13411) Figure 2 by Ang Y, Rajaratnam G, Su KFY, Meier R (2017) Hidden in the urban parks of New York City: Themira lohmanus, a new species of Sepsidae described based on morphology, DNA sequences, mating behavior, and reproductive isolation (Sepsidae, Diptera). ZooKeys 698: 95-111. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.698.13411. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Themira (10.3897-zookeys.698.13411) Figure 1 by Ang Y, Rajaratnam G, Su KFY, Meier R (2017) Hidden in the urban parks of New York City: Themira lohmanus, a new species of Sepsidae described based on morphology, DNA sequences, mating behavior, and reproductive isolation (Sepsidae, Diptera). ZooKeys 698: 95-111. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.698.13411. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Britishentomologyvolume8Plate245 by John Curtis / John Curtis . Used under a Public domain license.
210722 SepsisPunctum by TobiasBalkheimer. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

The Sepsidae, or black scavenger flies, are a family of small flies found primarily in habitats with decaying organic matter. With a diverse range and significant role in decomposition, they exhibit unique characteristics separating them from other fly families.

Physical Characteristics

Small, shining blackish flies, sometimes with a reddish tinge; spherical head; abdomen narrowed at the base. Glossy black body resembling ants, with a 'waist' and dark patches at wing tips. The head is rounded with bristles.

Identification Tips

Many species have a dark spot along the costal margin of the wing near the tip. The front legs of the male often have extrusions, spurs, teeth, or other ornamentation. Distinctive morphology includes a bulbous posterior end with spiracles for larvae.

Habitat

Commonly found around dung or decaying plant and animal material.

Distribution

Worldwide, with many species associated with livestock and human waste.

Diet

Larvae are coprophagous, primarily feeding on mammal excrement and decaying organic material.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes larvae developing in excrement, with a pupal stage enclosed within a puparium.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid on or near decaying matter, where larvae develop.

Ecosystem Role

Important biological role as decomposers of excrement and decaying organic matter.

Cultural Significance

Some species may have limited hygienic importance due to their association with human feces. Utilized in forensic entomology.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting adult flies around dung or decaying matter
  • Using baited traps, if appropriate

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning adult specimens
  • Ethanol preservation for larvae and pupae

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

They may be mistaken for ants due to their appearance and size.

Tags

  • Sepsidae
  • Black Scavenger Flies
  • Diptera
  • Decomposers
  • Forensic Entomology