The Pattern of Abdominal Microchaetae in Drosophila

Abstract

The distribution pattern of abdominal microchaetae on the second and third tergites was examined in wild·type and 8cute Drosophila melanogaster. Scute was found to alter the pattern on each tergite, as well as bristle number and bristle density. An explanation of these results is given in terms of a prepattern-precursor complex involving competition among potential bristle-producing cells.