Satellite systems are proving to be important players in understanding the differences between ontogenies during evolution. The satellite system P. pacificus, since its discovery nearly a decade ago (Sommer et al., 1996), has provided developmental biologists with new insights into various developmental processes (Eizinger and Sommer, 1997; Jungblut and Sommer, 1998; Sigrist and Sommer, 1999; Zheng et al., 2005). Further understanding of these developmental processes necessitated a genomic framework. Generation of an integrated genetic linkage map and a physical map for mapping of mutants has set a good foundation for such molecular studies (Srinivasan et al., 2003; Srinivasan et al., 2002). With the impending genome sequence being generated by the Washington Genome sequencing center (WUGSC) funded by NHGRI, P. pacificus is bound to cross the ‘next frontier’ in our understanding of evolution of developmental and behavioral processes. This review highlights the current status of P. pacificus genomics.