Homozygous embryos derived from females containing homozygous germline clones show defects in head morphogenesis and loss of anterior structures such as mouth hooks. The embryos have dorsal closure defects: the leading edge of the lateral epidermis has an exaggerated wavy appearance at the onset of dorsal closure, the dorsal-ventral polarisation of the migrating lateral epidermis cells is delayed compared to wild type, and the leading edge cells show impaired actin accumulation. The dorsal trunk of the tracheal tree is fragmented. Some of the embryos have an opening in the ectoderm on their ventral side. Some ectodermal cells in contact with the amnioserosa detach from the neighbouring tissue. Ectopic cysts of cells are seen just below the epidermis from stage 10 onwards, and they are abundant in stage 13 and later embryonic stages. These cysts appear to originate from fragmentation of the overlying epidermis.

Expression of Girdin^{dsRNA.Scer\UAS} using Scer\GAL4^en-e16E results in reduction of the posterior wing area and a decrease in cell size. These phenotypes are enhanced in a Girdin^unspecified/+ background.