Three new records of Ensign Flies (Diptera: Sepsidae) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands with Taxonomic key to the species

Flies of the family Sepsidae are known for their striking courtship rituals and mate guarding behaviors. Also called ‘ensign flies’ or ‘black scavenger flies,’ this taxon is not explored at all from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Three species of genus Sepsis were recorded for the first time from Andaman and Nicobar Islands- Sepsis (Allosepsis) indica, Sepsis (Sepsis) nitens and Sepsis (Allosepsis) testacea. Currently, the bay islands are home to four species of Sepsidae belonging to two genera. The taxonomic key to the sepsid species of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along with diagnostic characters, local distribution and remarks, is also presented here.