Melanotic phenotype: encapsulation of abnormal cells or tissues by otherwise normal haemocytes.
Autoimmune mutation causing polyphasic lethality with melanotic tumour formation (Watson Dev. Genet. 12:173 ). This developmental arrest is slightly suppressed by awdK, in that average lethal phase shifted later.
Melanotic tumour formation and lethality are due to the same mutation. Mutations exhibit incomplete penetrance and expressivity of the melanotic tumour phenotype. Small and/or abnormally shaped brain. No visible lymph gland defects.
See Watson Dev. Genet. 12:173 .