ftz is expressed in alternating parasegments in the germ band retracted embryo between parasgements 2 and 12.
In germ-band extended embryos, strong expression in the mesoderm and ectoderm, in even parasegments. In later embryos, expression is observed in the CNS. Expression pattern characteristic of that observed for ftz.
In embryos, peak accumulation is from 4.5-10.5 hours after egg-laying.
In gastrulating embryos, the first stripe is posterior to the cephalic furrow. Seven stripes observed; most posterior stripe thicker and occasionally resolves as two stripes. During mid-embryogenesis expression also observed in pairs of large cells; assumed to be neuroblasts. The most conspicuous of these pairs flank the ventral midline, one pair per segment. Observed stripes in epidermis correspond to parasegments, not segments. Expression throughout the ventral nerve cord (not in pair-rule pattern).