Levels of DNA cytosine methylation in the genome.

Insects provide an accessible system to study the contribution of DNA methylation to complex epigenetic phenotypes created to regulate gene expression, chromatin states, imprinting and dosage compensation. The members of genus have been used as a model system to study aspects of biology like development, behaviour and genetics. Despite the popularity of as a genetic and epigenetic model organism, DNA methylation studies are limited due to low levels of genomic 5-methylcytosine.