Polytene chromosome in situ hybrizations indicate an average of 11 Tirant insertion sites in the Dmel euchromatic genome, with no major difference between populations. However, 19 copies of Tirant are found in the sequenced Dmel genome, 15 of which are full-length.

Expression is enriched in embryonic gonads.

Most Tirant elements in the D.melanogaster genome are defective, non-autonomous elements. Defective elements lacking the Tirant\gag ORF but retaining the Tirant\env ORF are abundant in heterochromatin.

DNA sequence characterisation of the Tirant element, the sequence provides evidence that the element contains env-related sequences. Tirant may be a retrotransposable element of the gypsy-like family.

Tirant is a moderately repeated mobile sequence. Partial sequencing of Tirant ends suggests it is a retrotransposon, since it is flanked by two LTRs. Tirant sequences are present in species from the melanogaster and obscura groups. Data suggests that ancestral sequences of Tirant appeared after the Sophophora radiation and before the divergence of these groups.

Chromosome in situ and sequence analysis of Tirant suggests that it is a retrotransposon. In 28 species of Drosophila, Tirant sequences have only been detected in species from the melanogaster and obscura groups, suggesting that the ancestral Tirant sequence appeared after the Sophophera radiation and before the divergence of the melanogaster and obscura groups.

A middle repetitive element first described in the context of emc^D (FBrf0051368). Tirant can be regarded as a typical retrotransposon.

Tirant is a moderately repetitive DNA element.