Sepsidae, known also by some as black scavenger flies, are found worldwide and are comprised of approximately 250 species in over 20 genera. Adults of living forms are primarily associated with animal and human excrement, where the immatures develop; others can be found on rotting organic matter, carrion, tree sap, and shrubs. Adults characteristically wave their wings outward while walking about on various substrates. Larvae are scavengers and are important decomposers of animal excrement, carrion, and decaying vegetation. Some can be considered of some hygienic importance due to their association with human feces. Some species can be found in large numbers in sewage sludge.

The fossil record for this family is poor, there being only five described species in three genera. Except for the North American Oligocene Florissant fossil Themira saxifica Melander, all are found in various Tertiary deposits in Europe.

PROTORYGMA Hennig, 1965: 83. Type species: Protorygma electricum Hennig, 1965, by monotypy.

electricum Hennig, 1965: 83. PA: Baltic Region (Eocene/Oligocene) [A].

*SEPSIS Fallén, 1810: 17. Type species: Musca cynipsea Linnaeus, 1758, by subsequent designation of Curtis (1829: pl. 245).

atra Statz, 1940: 147. PA: Germany (Oligocene) [C].
bicolorata Statz, 1940: 147. PA: Germany (Oligocene) [C].
ignobilis Statz, 1940: 148. PA: Germany (Oligocene) [C].

*THEMIRA Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830: 745. Type species: Themira pilosa Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 [= Musca putris Linnaeus, 1758], by subsequent designation of Rondani (1874: 170, 178).

saxifica Melander, 1949: 51. NE: USA (Oligocene) [C].