Required for CNS development; negatively regulates glial cell division in the embryonic midline. Involved in the metabolism of insect hormones; responsible for ecdysteroid C22-hydroxylase activity. May be involved in the breakdown of synthetic insecticides. Steroid biosynthesis; ecdysteroid biosynthesis. Complex coexpression pattern of dib (disembodied) and sad (shade) in the early embryo that restricts to the prothoracic gland cells of the developing ring gland during late embryogenesis. In larvae and adult, coexpression is seen in prothoracic gland and follicle cells of the ovary. In adults, coexpression is seen in the follicle cells. Expression starts during embryonic blastoderm stages and is absent by stages 12/13. Reappears in stage 16. Member of the Halloween gene group. Belongs to the cytochrome P450 family.