0% of embryos derived from homozygous females have a class I phenotype (they are strongly dorsalised, lacking both ventral denticles and filzkorper), 2% have a class II phenotype (they lack ventral denticles but have filzkorper), 54% have a class III phenotype (they have ventral denticles) and 44% have a class H phenotype (they are phenotypically normal and hatch). 25% of embryos derived from gd⁵/Df(1)KA10 females have a class I phenotype, 44% have a class II phenotype, 31% have a class III phenotype and 0% have a class H phenotype.

Homozygous females produce less than 2% viable offspring. Transheterozygous combinations of gd mutations produce a range of cuticular phenotypes, ranging from cuticle only having dorsal characteristics, to cuticle having some ventral characteristics, such as ventral setal belts, depending on the alleles used. Some combinations of alleles complement each other. Homozygous gd⁵ females show temperature sensitivity in the amount of hatching, and the severity of their offspring's dorsalised phenotype.

94% of embryos derived from gd⁵/gd¹⁰ females hatch. 90% of embryos derived from gd¹/gd⁵ females have a class III phenotype; ventral cuticle is reduced, but some ventral abdominal setal belt material is retained, the anterior midgut invagination and ventral furrow are reduced or absent, gut formation is abnormal and the tracheal pits are located closer to the ventral midline than normal. 75% of embryos derived from gd²/gd⁵ females have a class III phenotype, and 20% have a class II phenotype; embryos lack ventral cuticle, the filzkorper are present and increased amounts of cuticle show dorsal characteristics compared to wild-type.

Embryonic defects detectable at gastrulation.