Additional file 1.

Some cells expressing elav strongly are phagocytosed. Stills from a movie (times given in hours and minutes APF). An individual cell showing few signs of neuronal differentiation (elliptical shape, bipolar protrusions) is followed here. At 30:45 short processes seem to protrude but they are not visible afterwards. A haemocyte appears (33:15, blue arrow) and comes in close contact with the differentiating neuron (33:30). After this transient contact the haemocyte leaves, laden with fluorescent debris, while the neuron now loses its fluorescence and seems to degenerate (33:45). Perhaps we are seeing the death of supernumerary bristle cells or precursors during development, which could influence the final number and/or the spacing of the bristles. Cell death of the larval epidermal cells accompanies the spreading of histoblasts, and these are also eaten up by haemocytes [9].

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Fabre et al. Neural Development 2008 3:12   doi:10.1186/1749-8104-3-12