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.
Germline clonal analysis shows that gd is required in the germline.
Approximate order of allelic severity, from weakest to strongest is: gd5 > gd1 > gd3 > gd6 > gd2 > gd4 > gd7 = gd8 = gd9 = gd10 = gd11 = gd12.