Segment-specific generation of Drosophila Capability neuropeptide neurons by multi-faceted Hox cues

► The nervous system contains many unique segment-specific neurons. ► The Drosophila the Capability neuropeptide-expressing Va neurons are only found in a few segments. ► The Va neurons are generated in all segment, but are removed by cell death in some segments. ► In other segments, Va neurons differentiate into different neuronal sub-types. ► These events are controlled by an interplay of Hox genes and cell death genes of the RHG family.