The CNS is the only site of significant staining in embryos, larvae, pupae and adults. In adults, optic lobe staining is strong. Weaker staining is observed in the central brain and ventral ganglion.
The level of hig transcripts is reduced to 15% of the wild type level in adult heads.
Larval locomotor activity uncoordinated. Adult homozygotes show very reduced activity and rarely fly, but respond vigorously to strong light or chemical odour. Individuals die soon after eclosion.
Mobilisation of the P{FZ} insertion demonstrates it to be the cause of the mutant phenotype, a wild type revertant was isolated.