Expression of pdm2^hs.PC at 2.5 to 3 hours of development, using heat shock, results in increased lethality compared to control flies, with 60% of the embryos carrying pdm2^hs.PC failing to hatch. 27% of these unhatched embryos lack the first 2 abdominal segments, and 36% lack abdominal segments 1 to 3. Embryos also often lack thoracic segments, and head defects are common. 4% of embryos carrying pdm2^hs.PC and derived from homozygous mothers produce 2-3 abdominal denticle belts when heat shocked at 1.75 to 2.75 hours of development.