egl^dlc2pt.otu mutant ovaries exhibit a phenotype similar to egl^3e mutant ovaries. In egl^dlc2pt.otu mutant ovaries all 16 cells express oocyte-specific markers such as orb and initially enter meiosis to form a synaptonemal complex. In later stages however, the synaptonemal complex dissolves and all 16 cells become polyploid nurse cells. egl^dlc2pt.otu mutant ovaries fail to develop oocytes.

Transgenic flies expressing egl^dlc2pt.otu at levels 50% above the wild-type level, in an otherwise egl-null background exhibit a phenotype distinct from that of egl null mutant and more similar to egl^3e mutant embryos. In the majority of cases (approximately 71%), the synaptonemal complex forms in all 16 cells in germarial region 2A , but is restricted to one cell by stage 1. All these cells revert to nurse cell morphology by stage 5/6. In the remaining cases (29%), the synaptonemal complex localises to two cells in region 2B and then dissolves.

In egl^3e/egl^dlc2pt.otu mutants the karyosomes of mature egg chambers do not form properly. In addition, the chromatin of these cells appears fragmented or condensed.