Homozygous germline-derived crqko mutant pupae exhibit defects in phagocytic clearance of ddaC neuron dendrite debris following pupal stage dendritic pruning. Similarly, unlike in wild type, crqko mutant larval in which the dendrites that have been injured (severed with an infrared laser) exhibit defects in debris clearance. The phagosomes in crqko mutant cells are often fused with each other.