diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index c2fc691..912a62c 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.25)
 
+
 option(APPLICATION_NAME "Application name" "Antkeeper")
 option(APPLICATION_VERSION "Application version string" "0.0.0")
 option(APPLICATION_AUTHOR "Application author" "C. J. Howard")
diff --git a/src/engine/i18n/string-map.cpp b/src/engine/i18n/string-map.cpp
index 998900b..5b8612d 100644
--- a/src/engine/i18n/string-map.cpp
+++ b/src/engine/i18n/string-map.cpp
@@ -39,17 +39,17 @@ void serializer<i18n::string_map>::serialize(const i18n::string_map& map, serial
 {
 	// Write number of entries
 	std::uint32_t size = static_cast<std::uint32_t>(map.size());
-	ctx.write32<std::endian::big>(reinterpret_cast<const std::byte*>(&size), 1);
+	ctx.write32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<const std::byte*>(&size), 1);
 	
 	// Write entries
 	for (const auto& [key, value]: map)
 	{
 		// Write key
-		ctx.write32<std::endian::big>(reinterpret_cast<const std::byte*>(&key), 1);
+		ctx.write32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<const std::byte*>(&key), 1);
 		
 		// Write string length
 		std::uint32_t length = static_cast<std::uint32_t>(value.length());
-		ctx.write32<std::endian::big>(reinterpret_cast<const std::byte*>(&length), 1);
+		ctx.write32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<const std::byte*>(&length), 1);
 		
 		// Write string
 		ctx.write8(reinterpret_cast<const std::byte*>(value.data()), length);
@@ -71,18 +71,18 @@ void deserializer<i18n::string_map>::deserialize(i18n::string_map& map, deserial
 	
 	// Read number of entries
 	std::uint32_t size = 0;
-	ctx.read32<std::endian::big>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&size), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&size), 1);
 	
 	// Read entries
 	for (std::uint32_t i = 0; i < size; ++i)
 	{
 		// Read key
 		hash::fnv1a32_t key;
-		ctx.read32<std::endian::big>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&key), 1);
+		ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&key), 1);
 		
 		// Read string length
 		std::uint32_t length = 0;
-		ctx.read32<std::endian::big>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&length), 1);
+		ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&length), 1);
 		
 		// Insert empty string into map
 		auto [iterator, inserted] = map.emplace
diff --git a/src/game/ant/ant-caste.hpp b/src/game/ant/ant-caste-type.hpp
similarity index 80%
rename from src/game/ant/ant-caste.hpp
rename to src/game/ant/ant-caste-type.hpp
index d424a0e..533e5da 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/ant-caste.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/ant-caste-type.hpp
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-#ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_CASTE_HPP
-#define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_CASTE_HPP
+#ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_CASTE_TYPE_HPP
+#define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_CASTE_TYPE_HPP
 
 #include <cstdint>
 
@@ -27,19 +27,19 @@
  *
  * @see https://www.antwiki.org/wiki/Caste_Terminology
  */
-enum class ant_caste: std::uint8_t
+enum class ant_caste_type: std::uint8_t
 {
 	/// Queen caste.
-	queen,
+	queen   = 0b0001,
 	
 	/// Worker caste.
-	worker,
+	worker  = 0b0010,
 	
 	/// Soldier caste.
-	soldier,
+	soldier = 0b0100,
 	
 	/// Male caste.
-	male
+	male    = 0b1000
 };
 
-#endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_CASTE_HPP
+#endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_CASTE_TYPE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/ant-cladogenesis.hpp b/src/game/ant/ant-cladogenesis.hpp
index b374ae3..b3b9cd1 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/ant-cladogenesis.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/ant-cladogenesis.hpp
@@ -33,6 +33,6 @@
  *
  * @return New genome.
  */
-std::unique_ptr<ant_genome> ant_cladogenesis(const ant_gene_pool& pool, std::random_device& rng);
+[[nodiscard]] std::unique_ptr<ant_genome> ant_cladogenesis(const ant_gene_pool& pool, std::random_device& rng);
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_CLADOGENESIS_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/ant-morphogenesis.cpp b/src/game/ant/ant-morphogenesis.cpp
index 7d5096a..a3fb41c 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/ant-morphogenesis.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/ant-morphogenesis.cpp
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 #include <engine/render/vertex-attribute.hpp>
 #include <engine/math/transform-operators.hpp>
 #include <engine/math/quaternion.hpp>
+#include <engine/debug/log.hpp>
 #include <unordered_set>
 
 static void reskin_vertices
@@ -79,13 +80,13 @@ std::unique_ptr<render::model> ant_morphogenesis(const ant_phenome& phenome)
 	std::shared_ptr<render::material> exoskeleton_material = build_exoskeleton_material(*phenome.pigmentation, *phenome.sculpturing);
 	
 	// Determine presence of optional parts
-	bool eyes_present = phenome.eyes->present;
-	bool lateral_ocelli_present = phenome.ocelli->lateral_ocelli_present;
-	bool median_ocellus_present = phenome.ocelli->median_ocellus_present;
-	bool petiole_present = phenome.waist->petiole_present;
-	bool postpetiole_present = phenome.waist->postpetiole_present;
-	bool sting_present = phenome.sting->present;
-	bool wings_present = phenome.wings->present;
+	const bool eyes_present = phenome.eyes->present;
+	const bool lateral_ocelli_present = phenome.ocelli->lateral_ocelli_present;
+	const bool median_ocellus_present = phenome.ocelli->median_ocellus_present;
+	const bool petiole_present = phenome.waist->petiole_present;
+	const bool postpetiole_present = phenome.waist->postpetiole_present;
+	const bool sting_present = phenome.sting->present;
+	const bool wings_present = phenome.wings->present;
 	
 	// Get body part models
 	const render::model* antennae_model = phenome.antennae->model.get();
@@ -102,6 +103,56 @@ std::unique_ptr<render::model> ant_morphogenesis(const ant_phenome& phenome)
 	const render::model* sting_model = phenome.sting->model.get();
 	const render::model* waist_model = phenome.waist->model.get();
 	
+	// Check for presence of required part models
+	if (!antennae_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing antennae model");
+	}
+	if (eyes_present && !eyes_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing eyes model");
+	}
+	if (wings_present && !forewings_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing forewings model");
+	}
+	if (!gaster_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing gaster model");
+	}
+	if (wings_present && !hindwings_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing hindwings model");
+	}
+	if (lateral_ocelli_present && !lateral_ocelli_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing lateral ocelli model");
+	}
+	if (!legs_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing legs model");
+	}
+	if (!mandibles_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing mandibles model");
+	}
+	if (median_ocellus_present && !median_ocellus_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing median ocellus model");
+	}
+	if (!mesosoma_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing mesosoma model");
+	}
+	if (sting_present && !sting_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing sting model");
+	}
+	if (!waist_model)
+	{
+		throw std::runtime_error("Ant phenome missing waist model");
+	}
+	
 	// Get body part vertex buffers
 	const gl::vertex_buffer* antennae_vbo = antennae_model->get_vertex_buffer().get();
 	const gl::vertex_buffer* eyes_vbo = (eyes_present) ? eyes_model->get_vertex_buffer().get() : nullptr;
@@ -109,10 +160,10 @@ std::unique_ptr<render::model> ant_morphogenesis(const ant_phenome& phenome)
 	const gl::vertex_buffer* gaster_vbo = gaster_model->get_vertex_buffer().get();
 	const gl::vertex_buffer* head_vbo = head_model->get_vertex_buffer().get();
 	const gl::vertex_buffer* hindwings_vbo = (wings_present) ? hindwings_model->get_vertex_buffer().get() : nullptr;
-	const gl::vertex_buffer* lateral_ocelli_vbo = (lateral_ocelli_model) ? lateral_ocelli_model->get_vertex_buffer().get() : nullptr;
+	const gl::vertex_buffer* lateral_ocelli_vbo = (lateral_ocelli_present) ? lateral_ocelli_model->get_vertex_buffer().get() : nullptr;
 	const gl::vertex_buffer* legs_vbo = legs_model->get_vertex_buffer().get();
 	const gl::vertex_buffer* mandibles_vbo = mandibles_model->get_vertex_buffer().get();
-	const gl::vertex_buffer* median_ocellus_vbo = (median_ocellus_model) ? median_ocellus_model->get_vertex_buffer().get() : nullptr;
+	const gl::vertex_buffer* median_ocellus_vbo = (median_ocellus_present) ? median_ocellus_model->get_vertex_buffer().get() : nullptr;
 	const gl::vertex_buffer* mesosoma_vbo = mesosoma_model->get_vertex_buffer().get();
 	const gl::vertex_buffer* sting_vbo = (sting_present) ? sting_model->get_vertex_buffer().get() : nullptr;
 	const gl::vertex_buffer* waist_vbo = waist_model->get_vertex_buffer().get();
@@ -135,22 +186,34 @@ std::unique_ptr<render::model> ant_morphogenesis(const ant_phenome& phenome)
 	vertex_buffer_size += gaster_vbo->size();
 	std::size_t sting_vbo_offset = vertex_buffer_size;
 	if (sting_present)
+	{
 		vertex_buffer_size += sting_vbo->size();
+	}
 	std::size_t eyes_vbo_offset = vertex_buffer_size;
 	if (eyes_present)
+	{
 		vertex_buffer_size += eyes_vbo->size();
+	}
 	std::size_t lateral_ocelli_vbo_offset = vertex_buffer_size;
 	if (lateral_ocelli_present)
+	{
 		vertex_buffer_size += lateral_ocelli_vbo->size();
+	}
 	std::size_t median_ocellus_vbo_offset = vertex_buffer_size;
 	if (median_ocellus_present)
+	{
 		vertex_buffer_size += median_ocellus_vbo->size();
+	}
 	std::size_t forewings_vbo_offset = vertex_buffer_size;
 	if (wings_present)
+	{
 		vertex_buffer_size += forewings_vbo->size();
+	}
 	std::size_t hindwings_vbo_offset = vertex_buffer_size;
 	if (wings_present)
+	{
 		vertex_buffer_size += hindwings_vbo->size();
+	}
 	
 	// Allocate combined vertex buffer data
 	std::vector<std::byte> vertex_buffer_data(vertex_buffer_size);
@@ -681,29 +744,45 @@ std::unique_ptr<render::model> ant_morphogenesis(const ant_phenome& phenome)
 	reskin_vertices(vertex_buffer_data.data() + antennae_vbo_offset, antennae_index_count, *position_attribute, *normal_attribute, *tangent_attribute, *bone_index_attribute, old_antennomere1_r_indices, antennomere1_r_bone_index, antenna_r_to_body);
 	
 	// Reskin antennomere2+ bones
-	const std::vector<hash::fnv1a32_t> antennomere_bone_names =
-	{
-		"antennomere2",
-		"antennomere3",
-		"antennomere4",
-		"antennomere5",
-		"antennomere6",
-		"antennomere7",
-		"antennomere8",
-		"antennomere9",
-		"antennomere10",
-		"antennomere11",
-		"antennomere12",
-		"antennomere13"
+	const std::vector<hash::fnv1a32_t> antennomere_l_bone_keys =
+	{
+		"antennomere2_l",
+		"antennomere3_l",
+		"antennomere4_l",
+		"antennomere5_l",
+		"antennomere6_l",
+		"antennomere7_l",
+		"antennomere8_l",
+		"antennomere9_l",
+		"antennomere10_l",
+		"antennomere11_l",
+		"antennomere12_l",
+		"antennomere13_l"
 	};
+	const std::vector<hash::fnv1a32_t> antennomere_r_bone_keys =
+	{
+		"antennomere2_r",
+		"antennomere3_r",
+		"antennomere4_r",
+		"antennomere5_r",
+		"antennomere6_r",
+		"antennomere7_r",
+		"antennomere8_r",
+		"antennomere9_r",
+		"antennomere10_r",
+		"antennomere11_r",
+		"antennomere12_r",
+		"antennomere13_r"
+	};
+	
 	std::unordered_set<std::uint8_t> old_antennomere_l_indices;
-	for (const auto& bone_name: antennomere_bone_names)
-		if (auto it = antennae_skeleton.bone_map.find(bone_name + "_l"); it != antennae_skeleton.bone_map.end())
+	for (const auto& bone_key: antennomere_l_bone_keys)
+		if (auto it = antennae_skeleton.bone_map.find(bone_key); it != antennae_skeleton.bone_map.end())
 			old_antennomere_l_indices.emplace(it->second);
 	reskin_vertices(vertex_buffer_data.data() + antennae_vbo_offset, antennae_index_count, *position_attribute, *normal_attribute, *tangent_attribute, *bone_index_attribute, old_antennomere_l_indices, antennomere2_l_bone_index, antenna_l_to_body);
 	std::unordered_set<std::uint8_t> old_antennomere_r_indices;
-	for (const auto& bone_name: antennomere_bone_names)
-		if (auto it = antennae_skeleton.bone_map.find(bone_name + "_r"); it != antennae_skeleton.bone_map.end())
+	for (const auto& bone_key: antennomere_r_bone_keys)
+		if (auto it = antennae_skeleton.bone_map.find(bone_key); it != antennae_skeleton.bone_map.end())
 			old_antennomere_r_indices.emplace(it->second);
 	reskin_vertices(vertex_buffer_data.data() + antennae_vbo_offset, antennae_index_count, *position_attribute, *normal_attribute, *tangent_attribute, *bone_index_attribute, old_antennomere_r_indices, antennomere2_r_bone_index, antenna_r_to_body);
 	
diff --git a/src/game/ant/ant-morphogenesis.hpp b/src/game/ant/ant-morphogenesis.hpp
index f7bc92b..9be523c 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/ant-morphogenesis.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/ant-morphogenesis.hpp
@@ -31,6 +31,6 @@
  *
  * @return 3D model of the given phenome.
  */
-std::unique_ptr<render::model> ant_morphogenesis(const ant_phenome& phenome);
+[[nodiscard]] std::unique_ptr<render::model> ant_morphogenesis(const ant_phenome& phenome);
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_MORPHOGENESIS_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/ant-phenome.cpp b/src/game/ant/ant-phenome.cpp
index a4979e7..3655ff9 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/ant-phenome.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/ant-phenome.cpp
@@ -19,65 +19,72 @@
 
 #include "game/ant/ant-phenome.hpp"
 
-ant_phenome::ant_phenome(const ant_genome& genome, ant_caste caste)
+ant_phenome::ant_phenome(const ant_genome& genome, ant_caste_type caste)
 {
 	if (genome.antennae)
-		if (auto it = genome.antennae->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.antennae->phenes.end())
-			antennae = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.antennae->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.antennae->phene_map.end())
+			antennae = i->second;
 	if (genome.body_size)
-		if (auto it = genome.body_size->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.body_size->phenes.end())
-			body_size = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.body_size->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.body_size->phene_map.end())
+			body_size = i->second;
 	if (genome.cocoon)
-		cocoon = &genome.cocoon->phene;
+		if (auto i = genome.cocoon->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.cocoon->phene_map.end())
+			cocoon = i->second;
 	if (genome.diet)
-		diet = &genome.diet->phene;
+		if (auto i = genome.diet->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.diet->phene_map.end())
+			diet = i->second;
 	if (genome.egg)
-		egg = &genome.egg->phene;
+		if (auto i = genome.egg->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.egg->phene_map.end())
+			egg = i->second;
 	if (genome.eyes)
-		if (auto it = genome.eyes->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.eyes->phenes.end())
-			eyes = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.eyes->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.eyes->phene_map.end())
+			eyes = i->second;
 	if (genome.foraging_time)
-		foraging_time = &genome.foraging_time->phene;
+		if (auto i = genome.foraging_time->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.foraging_time->phene_map.end())
+			foraging_time = i->second;
 	if (genome.founding_mode)
-		founding_mode = &genome.founding_mode->phene;
+		if (auto i = genome.founding_mode->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.founding_mode->phene_map.end())
+			founding_mode = i->second;
 	if (genome.gaster)
-		if (auto it = genome.gaster->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.gaster->phenes.end())
-			gaster = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.gaster->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.gaster->phene_map.end())
+			gaster = i->second;
 	if (genome.head)
-		if (auto it = genome.head->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.head->phenes.end())
-			head = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.head->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.head->phene_map.end())
+			head = i->second;
 	if (genome.larva)
-		larva = &genome.larva->phene;
+		if (auto i = genome.larva->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.larva->phene_map.end())
+			larva = i->second;
 	if (genome.legs)
-		if (auto it = genome.legs->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.legs->phenes.end())
-			legs = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.legs->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.legs->phene_map.end())
+			legs = i->second;
 	if (genome.mandibles)
-		if (auto it = genome.mandibles->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.mandibles->phenes.end())
-			mandibles = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.mandibles->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.mandibles->phene_map.end())
+			mandibles = i->second;
 	if (genome.mesosoma)
-		if (auto it = genome.mesosoma->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.mesosoma->phenes.end())
-			mesosoma = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.mesosoma->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.mesosoma->phene_map.end())
+			mesosoma = i->second;
 	if (genome.nest_site)
-		nest_site = &genome.nest_site->phene;
+		if (auto i = genome.nest_site->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.nest_site->phene_map.end())
+			nest_site = i->second;
 	if (genome.ocelli)
-		if (auto it = genome.ocelli->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.ocelli->phenes.end())
-			ocelli = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.ocelli->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.ocelli->phene_map.end())
+			ocelli = i->second;
 	if (genome.pigmentation)
-		if (auto it = genome.pigmentation->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.pigmentation->phenes.end())
-			pigmentation = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.pigmentation->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.pigmentation->phene_map.end())
+			pigmentation = i->second;
 	if (genome.pilosity)
-		if (auto it = genome.pilosity->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.pilosity->phenes.end())
-			pilosity = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.pilosity->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.pilosity->phene_map.end())
+			pilosity = i->second;
 	if (genome.sculpturing)
-		if (auto it = genome.sculpturing->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.sculpturing->phenes.end())
-			sculpturing = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.sculpturing->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.sculpturing->phene_map.end())
+			sculpturing = i->second;
 	if (genome.sting)
-		if (auto it = genome.sting->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.sting->phenes.end())
-			sting = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.sting->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.sting->phene_map.end())
+			sting = i->second;
 	if (genome.waist)
-		if (auto it = genome.waist->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.waist->phenes.end())
-			waist = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.waist->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.waist->phene_map.end())
+			waist = i->second;
 	if (genome.wings)
-		if (auto it = genome.wings->phenes.find(caste); it != genome.wings->phenes.end())
-			wings = &it->second;
+		if (auto i = genome.wings->phene_map.find(caste); i != genome.wings->phene_map.end())
+			wings = i->second;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/ant-phenome.hpp b/src/game/ant/ant-phenome.hpp
index 6254ef3..6e186af 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/ant-phenome.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/ant-phenome.hpp
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-waist-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-wings-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/ant-genome.hpp"
-#include "game/ant/ant-caste.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/ant-caste-type.hpp"
 
 /**
  * Complete set of ant phenes.
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ struct ant_phenome
 	 * @param genome Ant genome.
 	 * @param caste Ant caste.
 	 */
-	ant_phenome(const ant_genome& genome, ant_caste caste);
+	ant_phenome(const ant_genome& genome, ant_caste_type caste);
 	
 	/// Constructs an empty ant phenome.
 	ant_phenome() = default;
diff --git a/src/game/ant/ant-species.hpp b/src/game/ant/ant-species.hpp
index a21fd40..efe58a0 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/ant-species.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/ant-species.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_SPECIES_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_SPECIES_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/ant-caste.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/ant-caste-type.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/ant-phenome.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <unordered_map>
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 struct ant_species
 {
 	/// Caste-specific phenomes
-	std::unordered_map<ant_caste, ant_phenome> phenomes;
+	std::unordered_map<ant_caste_type, ant_phenome> phenomes;
 	
 	/// Caste-specific models
 	std::unordered_map<caste, std::shared_ptr<render::model>> models;
diff --git a/src/game/ant/ant-subcaste.hpp b/src/game/ant/ant-subcaste.hpp
index f87eb6e..e8a5b60 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/ant-subcaste.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/ant-subcaste.hpp
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 enum class ant_subcaste: std::uint8_t
 {
 	/// Worker from the queen's first batch of eggs, smaller than normal workers.
-	nanitic,
+	nanitic = 1,
 	
 	/// Small worker or soldier.
 	minor,
diff --git a/src/game/ant/ant-swarm.cpp b/src/game/ant/ant-swarm.cpp
index 60b66eb..219658a 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/ant-swarm.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/ant-swarm.cpp
@@ -114,11 +114,11 @@ entity::id create_ant_swarm(::game& ctx)
 	
 	// Init queen caste component
 	ant_caste_component queen_caste;
-	queen_caste.type = ant_caste::queen;
+	queen_caste.caste_type = ant_caste_type::queen;
 	
 	// Init male caste component
 	ant_caste_component male_caste;
-	male_caste.type = ant_caste::male;
+	male_caste.caste_type = ant_caste_type::male;
 	
 	// Construct and seed random number generator
 	std::random_device seed;
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-antennae-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-antennae-gene.cpp
index 30e9d17..a5a3266 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-antennae-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-antennae-gene.cpp
@@ -17,49 +17,35 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-antennae-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-antennae-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_antennae_phene(ant_antennae_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_antennae_phene(ant_antennae_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.model = nullptr;
-	phene.total_antennomere_count = 0;
-	phene.club_antennomere_count = 0;
-	
-	// Load antennae model
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.total_antennomere_count), 1);
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.club_antennomere_count), 1);
 	
-	// Parse total antennomere count
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("total_antennomere_count"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.total_antennomere_count = element->get<std::uint8_t>();
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
-	// Parse club antennomere count
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("club_antennomere_count"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.club_antennomere_count = element->get<std::uint8_t>();
+	phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_antennae_gene> resource_loader<ant_antennae_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto antennae_element = json_data->find("antennae");
-	if (antennae_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid antennae gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_antennae_gene> antennae = std::make_unique<ant_antennae_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_antennae_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_antennae_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*antennae, &deserialize_ant_antennae_phene, *antennae_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_antennae_phene);
 	
-	return antennae;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-antennae-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-antennae-gene.hpp
index 1d90c3d..fc8267f 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-antennae-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-antennae-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_ANTENNAE_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_ANTENNAE_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 #include <cstdint>
@@ -33,17 +33,23 @@
  */
 struct ant_antennae_phene
 {
-	/// 3D model of the antennae.
-	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
-	
 	/// Total number of antennal segments per antenna.
-	std::uint8_t total_antennomere_count;
+	std::uint8_t total_antennomere_count{0};
 	
 	/// Number of antennal segments that constitute a club.
-	std::uint8_t club_antennomere_count;
+	std::uint8_t club_antennomere_count{0};
+	
+	/// 3D model of the antennae.
+	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
 };
 
 /// Ant antennae gene.
-using ant_antennae_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_antennae_phene>;
+using ant_antennae_gene = ant_gene<ant_antennae_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_antennae_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::antennae;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_ANTENNAE_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-body-size-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-body-size-gene.cpp
index 8c85541..693dc5d 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-body-size-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-body-size-gene.cpp
@@ -17,48 +17,28 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-body-size-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-body-size-gene.hpp"
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_body_size_phene(ant_body_size_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_body_size_phene(ant_body_size_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.min_mesosoma_length = 1.0f;
-	phene.max_mesosoma_length = 1.0f;
-	phene.mean_mesosoma_length = 1.0f;
-	
-	// Parse min mesosoma length
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("min_mesosoma_length"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.min_mesosoma_length = element->get<float>();
-	
-	// Parse max mesosoma length
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("max_mesosoma_length"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.max_mesosoma_length = element->get<float>();
-	
-	// Parse mean mesosoma length
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("mean_mesosoma_length"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.mean_mesosoma_length = element->get<float>();
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.min_mesosoma_length), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.max_mesosoma_length), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.mean_mesosoma_length), 1);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_body_size_gene> resource_loader<ant_body_size_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto body_size_element = json_data->find("body_size");
-	if (body_size_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid body_size gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_body_size_gene> body_size = std::make_unique<ant_body_size_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_body_size_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_body_size_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*body_size, &deserialize_ant_body_size_phene, *body_size_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_body_size_phene);
 	
-	return body_size;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-body-size-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-body-size-gene.hpp
index ba1f0a8..c8c875f 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-body-size-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-body-size-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_BODY_SIZE_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_BODY_SIZE_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 
 /**
  * Ant body size phene.
@@ -30,16 +30,22 @@
 struct ant_body_size_phene
 {
 	/// Minimum mesosoma length (Weber's length), in centimeters.
-	float min_mesosoma_length;
+	float min_mesosoma_length{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Maximum mesosoma length (Weber's length), in centimeters.
-	float max_mesosoma_length;
+	float max_mesosoma_length{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Mean mesosoma length (Weber's length), in centimeters.
-	float mean_mesosoma_length;
+	float mean_mesosoma_length{0.0f};
 };
 
 /// Ant body size gene.
-using ant_body_size_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_body_size_phene>;
+using ant_body_size_gene = ant_gene<ant_body_size_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_body_size_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::body_size;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_BODY_SIZE_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-cocoon-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-cocoon-gene.cpp
index 78c1bde..1e50bcd 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-cocoon-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-cocoon-gene.cpp
@@ -17,47 +17,39 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-cocoon-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-cocoon-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_cocoon_phene(ant_cocoon_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_cocoon_phene(ant_cocoon_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.present = false;
-	phene.model = nullptr;
+	std::uint8_t present{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&present), 1);
+	phene.present = static_cast<bool>(present);
 	
-	// Parse cocoon present
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("present"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.present = element->get<bool>();
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
-	// Load cocoon model
 	if (phene.present)
 	{
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 	}
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_cocoon_gene> resource_loader<ant_cocoon_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto cocoon_element = json_data->find("cocoon");
-	if (cocoon_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid cocoon gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_cocoon_gene> cocoon = std::make_unique<ant_cocoon_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_cocoon_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_cocoon_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*cocoon, &deserialize_ant_cocoon_phene, *cocoon_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_cocoon_phene);
 	
-	return cocoon;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-cocoon-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-cocoon-gene.hpp
index 1acbcd4..2836aff 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-cocoon-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-cocoon-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_COCOON_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_COCOON_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/monophenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -29,14 +29,20 @@
  */
 struct ant_cocoon_phene
 {
+	/// Indicates whether a cocoon is formed by the larvae or not.
+	bool present{false};
+	
 	/// 3D model of the cocoon, if present.
 	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
-	
-	/// Indicates whether a cocoon is formed by the larvae or not.
-	bool present;
 };
 
 /// Ant cocoon gene.
-using ant_cocoon_gene = monophenic_ant_gene<ant_cocoon_phene>;
+using ant_cocoon_gene = ant_gene<ant_cocoon_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_cocoon_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::cocoon;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_COCOON_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-diet-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-diet-gene.cpp
index 52951c8..68e12d1 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-diet-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-diet-gene.cpp
@@ -17,34 +17,26 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-diet-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-diet-gene.hpp"
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_diet_phene(ant_diet_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_diet_phene(ant_diet_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	
+
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_diet_gene> resource_loader<ant_diet_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto diet_element = json_data->find("diet");
-	if (diet_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid diet gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_diet_gene> diet = std::make_unique<ant_diet_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_diet_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_diet_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*diet, &deserialize_ant_diet_phene, *diet_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_diet_phene);
 	
-	return diet;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-diet-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-diet-gene.hpp
index 72af8e0..1581036 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-diet-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-diet-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_DIET_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_DIET_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/monophenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 
 /**
  * Ant diet phene.
@@ -28,25 +28,31 @@
 struct ant_diet_phene
 {
 	/// Preference for eating seeds.
-	float seeds;
+	float seeds{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Preference for eating ant brood.
-	float ant_brood;
+	float ant_brood{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Preference for eating arthropod eggs.
-	float arthropod_eggs;
+	float arthropod_eggs{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Preference for eating nectar.
-	float nectar;
+	float nectar{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Preference for eating fungi.
-	float fungi;
+	float fungi{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Preference for eating carrion.
-	float carrion;
+	float carrion{0.0f};
 };
 
 /// Ant diet gene.
-using ant_diet_gene = monophenic_ant_gene<ant_diet_phene>;
+using ant_diet_gene = ant_gene<ant_diet_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_diet_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::diet;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_DIET_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-egg-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-egg-gene.cpp
index 55cd5a1..e7867dd 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-egg-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-egg-gene.cpp
@@ -17,39 +17,32 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-egg-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-egg-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_egg_phene(ant_egg_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_egg_phene(ant_egg_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.model = nullptr;
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
-	// Load egg model
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+	phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_egg_gene> resource_loader<ant_egg_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto egg_element = json_data->find("egg");
-	if (egg_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid egg gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_egg_gene> egg = std::make_unique<ant_egg_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_egg_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_egg_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*egg, &deserialize_ant_egg_phene, *egg_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_egg_phene);
 	
-	return egg;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-egg-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-egg-gene.hpp
index 756563d..7b15759 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-egg-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-egg-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_EGG_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_EGG_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/monophenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -34,6 +34,12 @@ struct ant_egg_phene
 };
 
 /// Ant egg gene.
-using ant_egg_gene = monophenic_ant_gene<ant_egg_phene>;
+using ant_egg_gene = ant_gene<ant_egg_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_egg_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::egg;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_EGG_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-eyes-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-eyes-gene.cpp
index a699b13..f9f456c 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-eyes-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-eyes-gene.cpp
@@ -17,67 +17,44 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-eyes-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-eyes-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_eyes_phene(ant_eyes_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_eyes_phene(ant_eyes_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.present = false;
-	phene.model = nullptr;
-	phene.length = 0.0f;
-	phene.width = 0.0f;
-	phene.height = 0.0f;
-	phene.ommatidia_count = 0;
+	std::uint8_t present{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&present), 1);
+	phene.present = static_cast<bool>(present);
+	
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.ommatidia_count), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.length), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.width), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.height), 1);
 	
-	// Parse present
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("present"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.present = element->get<bool>();
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
 	if (phene.present)
 	{
-		// Load eyes model
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
-		
-		// Parse length
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("length"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.length = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse width
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("width"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.width = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse height
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("height"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.height = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse ommatidia count
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("ommatidia_count"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.ommatidia_count = element->get<int>();
+		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 	}
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_eyes_gene> resource_loader<ant_eyes_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto eyes_element = json_data->find("eyes");
-	if (eyes_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid eyes gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_eyes_gene> eyes = std::make_unique<ant_eyes_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_eyes_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_eyes_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*eyes, &deserialize_ant_eyes_phene, *eyes_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_eyes_phene);
 	
-	return eyes;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-eyes-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-eyes-gene.hpp
index 07f56a1..57048eb 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-eyes-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-eyes-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_EYES_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_EYES_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <memory>
@@ -32,26 +32,32 @@
  */
 struct ant_eyes_phene
 {
-	/// 3D model of the eyes, if present.
-	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
-	
 	/// Indicates whether eyes are present.
-	bool present;
+	bool present{false};
+	
+	/// Number of ommatidia.
+	std::uint32_t ommatidia_count{0};
 	
 	/// Eye length, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float length;
+	float length{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Eye width, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float width;
+	float width{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Eye height, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float height;
+	float height{0.0f};
 	
-	/// Number of ommatidia.
-	std::uint32_t ommatidia_count;
+	/// 3D model of the eyes, if present.
+	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
 };
 
 /// Ant eyes gene.
-using ant_eyes_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_eyes_phene>;
+using ant_eyes_gene = ant_gene<ant_eyes_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_eyes_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::eyes;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_EYES_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-foraging-time-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-foraging-time-gene.cpp
index a2cb353..66ff8d8 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-foraging-time-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-foraging-time-gene.cpp
@@ -17,45 +17,27 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-foraging-time-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-foraging-time-gene.hpp"
-#include <engine/math/angles.hpp>
-#include <engine/math/numbers.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_foraging_time_phene(ant_foraging_time_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_foraging_time_phene(ant_foraging_time_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.min_solar_altitude = -math::half_pi<float>;
-	phene.max_solar_altitude = math::half_pi<float>;
-	
-	// Parse min solar altitude
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("min_solar_altitude"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.min_solar_altitude = math::radians(element->get<float>());
-	
-	// Parse max solar altitude
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("max_solar_altitude"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.max_solar_altitude = math::radians(element->get<float>());
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.min_solar_altitude), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.max_solar_altitude), 1);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_foraging_time_gene> resource_loader<ant_foraging_time_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto foraging_time_element = json_data->find("foraging_time");
-	if (foraging_time_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid foraging_time gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_foraging_time_gene> foraging_time = std::make_unique<ant_foraging_time_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_foraging_time_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_foraging_time_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*foraging_time, &deserialize_ant_foraging_time_phene, *foraging_time_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_foraging_time_phene);
 	
-	return foraging_time;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-foraging-time-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-foraging-time-gene.hpp
index 07c0f5e..8dbdf52 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-foraging-time-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-foraging-time-gene.hpp
@@ -20,21 +20,27 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_FORAGING_TIME_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_FORAGING_TIME_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/monophenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 
 /**
  * Ant foraging time phene.
  */
 struct ant_foraging_time_phene
 {
-	/// Minimum solar altitude at which foraging occurs.
-	float min_solar_altitude;
+	/// Minimum solar altitude, in radians, at which foraging occurs.
+	float min_solar_altitude{0.0f};
 	
-	/// Maximum solar alttiude at which foraging occurs.
-	float max_solar_altitude;
+	/// Maximum solar alttiude, in radians, at which foraging occurs.
+	float max_solar_altitude{0.0f};
 };
 
 /// Ant foraging time gene.
-using ant_foraging_time_gene = monophenic_ant_gene<ant_foraging_time_phene>;
+using ant_foraging_time_gene = ant_gene<ant_foraging_time_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_foraging_time_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::foraging_time;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_FORAGING_TIME_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-founding-mode-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-founding-mode-gene.cpp
index c0df65e..015e053 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-founding-mode-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-founding-mode-gene.cpp
@@ -17,34 +17,26 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-founding-mode-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-founding-mode-gene.hpp"
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_founding_mode_phene(ant_founding_mode_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_founding_mode_phene(ant_founding_mode_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
 
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_founding_mode_gene> resource_loader<ant_founding_mode_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto founding_mode_element = json_data->find("founding_mode");
-	if (founding_mode_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid founding_mode gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_founding_mode_gene> founding_mode = std::make_unique<ant_founding_mode_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_founding_mode_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_founding_mode_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*founding_mode, &deserialize_ant_founding_mode_phene, *founding_mode_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_founding_mode_phene);
 	
-	return founding_mode;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-founding-mode-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-founding-mode-gene.hpp
index b30c9b1..657b2e8 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-founding-mode-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-founding-mode-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_FOUNDING_MODE_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_FOUNDING_MODE_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/monophenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <cstdint>
 
 /**
@@ -40,7 +40,13 @@ enum class ant_founding_mode_phene: std::uint8_t
 	fission
 };
 
-/// Monophenic founding mode gene.
-using ant_founding_mode_gene = monophenic_ant_gene<ant_founding_mode_phene>;
+/// Ant founding mode gene.
+using ant_founding_mode_gene = ant_gene<ant_founding_mode_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_founding_mode_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::founding_mode;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_FOUNDING_MODE_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gaster-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gaster-gene.cpp
index 35ece07..b2df155 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gaster-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gaster-gene.cpp
@@ -17,44 +17,34 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gaster-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gaster-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_gaster_phene(ant_gaster_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_gaster_phene(ant_gaster_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.model = nullptr;
-	phene.phragmosis = 0.0f;
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.phragmosis), 1);
 	
-	// Load gaster model
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
-	// Parse phragmosis
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("phragmosis"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.phragmosis = element->get<float>();
+	phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_gaster_gene> resource_loader<ant_gaster_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto gaster_element = json_data->find("gaster");
-	if (gaster_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid gaster gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_gaster_gene> gaster = std::make_unique<ant_gaster_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_gaster_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_gaster_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*gaster, &deserialize_ant_gaster_phene, *gaster_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_gaster_phene);
 	
-	return gaster;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gaster-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gaster-gene.hpp
index 172f414..1d9b27c 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gaster-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gaster-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GASTER_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GASTER_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -31,14 +31,20 @@
  */
 struct ant_gaster_phene
 {
+	/// Degree of phragmosis.
+	float phragmosis{0.0f};
+	
 	/// 3D model of the gaster.
 	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
-	
-	/// Degree of phragmosis.
-	float phragmosis;
 };
 
 /// Ant gaster gene.
-using ant_gaster_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_gaster_phene>;
+using ant_gaster_gene = ant_gene<ant_gaster_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_gaster_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::gaster;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GASTER_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp
index 488d822..2f66138 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp
@@ -20,74 +20,96 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GENE_LOADER_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GENE_LOADER_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/monophenic-ant-gene.hpp"
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
+#include <engine/resources/deserialize-context.hpp>
+#include <engine/resources/deserialize-error.hpp>
 
 /**
- * Deserializes an ant gene.
+ * Loads an ant gene.
  *
- * @tparam T Ant phene type.
+ * @tparam T Phene type.
  *
- * @param gene Ant gene to deserialize.
- * @param deserialize_phene Ant phene deserialization function.
- * @param gene_element JSON element containing an ant gene definition.
+ * @param gene Gene to load.
  * @param resource_manager Resource manager.
+ * @param ctx Deserialize context.
+ * @param load_phene Pointer to phene load function.
  */
-/// @{
 template <class T>
-void deserialize_ant_gene(monophenic_ant_gene<T>& gene, void (*deserialize_phene)(T&, const json&, resource_manager&), const json& gene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+void load_ant_gene(ant_gene<T>& gene, resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx, void (*load_phene)(T&, ::resource_manager&, deserialize_context&))
 {
-	// Read gene name
-	if (auto element = gene_element.find("name"); element != gene_element.end())
+	// Read file format identifier
+	std::uint32_t format_identifier{0};
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&format_identifier), 1);
+	
+	// Validate file format identifier
+	if (format_identifier != 0xaca79ff0)
 	{
-		gene.name = element->get<std::string>();
+		throw deserialize_error("Invalid ant gene file");
 	}
 	
-	// Deserialize phene
-	if (auto element = gene_element.find("phene"); element != gene_element.end())
+	// Read file format version
+	std::uint16_t format_version{0};
+	ctx.read16<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&format_version), 1);
+	
+	// Validate file format version
+	if (format_version != 1)
 	{
-		deserialize_phene(gene.phene, *element, resource_manager);
+		throw deserialize_error("Unsupported ant gene format");
 	}
-}
-
-template <class T>
-void deserialize_ant_gene(polyphenic_ant_gene<T>& gene, void (*deserialize_phene)(T&, const json&, resource_manager&), const json& gene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
-{
-	// Read gene name
-	if (auto element = gene_element.find("name"); element != gene_element.end())
+	
+	// Read gene type
+	ant_gene_type gene_type{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&gene_type), 1);
+	
+	// Validate gene type
+	if (gene_type != gene.type())
 	{
-		gene.name = element->get<std::string>();
+		throw deserialize_error("Mismatched ant gene type");
 	}
 	
-	// Deserialize phenes
-	if (auto phenes_element = gene_element.find("phenes"); phenes_element != gene_element.end())
+	// Read gene name
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&gene.name), 1);
+	
+	// Read phene count
+	std::uint8_t phene_count{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene_count), 1);
+	
+	// Allocate phenes
+	gene.phenes.resize(phene_count);
+	
+	// Load phenes
+	for (auto& phene: gene.phenes)
 	{
-		if (auto element = phenes_element->find("female"); element != phenes_element->end())
-		{
-			deserialize_phene(gene.phenes[ant_caste::queen], *element, resource_manager);
-			deserialize_phene(gene.phenes[ant_caste::worker], *element, resource_manager);
-			deserialize_phene(gene.phenes[ant_caste::soldier], *element, resource_manager);
-		}
-		if (auto element = phenes_element->find("male"); element != phenes_element->end())
-		{
-			deserialize_phene(gene.phenes[ant_caste::male], *element, resource_manager);
-		}
-		if (auto element = phenes_element->find("queen"); element != phenes_element->end())
-		{
-			deserialize_phene(gene.phenes[ant_caste::queen], *element, resource_manager);
-		}
-		if (auto element = phenes_element->find("worker"); element != phenes_element->end())
+		// Read phene caste flags
+		std::uint8_t caste_flags{0};
+		ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&caste_flags), 1);
+		
+		// Load phene
+		load_phene(phene, resource_manager, ctx);
+		
+		// Map flagged castes to phene
+		int caste_count = std::popcount(caste_flags);
+		if (caste_count == 1)
 		{
-			deserialize_phene(gene.phenes[ant_caste::worker], *element, resource_manager);
+			gene.phene_map[static_cast<ant_caste_type>(caste_flags)] = &phene;
 		}
-		if (auto element = phenes_element->find("soldier"); element != phenes_element->end())
+		else
 		{
-			deserialize_phene(gene.phenes[ant_caste::soldier], *element, resource_manager);
+			for (std::uint8_t i = 0; i < 8; ++i)
+			{
+				const std::uint8_t caste_mask = 1 << i;
+				if (caste_flags & caste_mask)
+				{
+					gene.phene_map[static_cast<ant_caste_type>(caste_mask)] = &phene;
+					if (--caste_count; !caste_count)
+					{
+						break;
+					}
+				}
+			}
 		}
 	}
 }
-/// @}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GENE_LOADER_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/monophenic-ant-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gene-type.hpp
similarity index 65%
rename from src/game/ant/genes/monophenic-ant-gene.hpp
rename to src/game/ant/genes/ant-gene-type.hpp
index ebcaa55..aee325b 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/monophenic-ant-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gene-type.hpp
@@ -17,24 +17,38 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-#ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_MONOPHENIC_ANT_GENE_HPP
-#define ANTKEEPER_GAME_MONOPHENIC_ANT_GENE_HPP
+#ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GENE_TYPE_HPP
+#define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GENE_TYPE_HPP
 
-#include <string>
+#include <cstdint>
 
 /**
- * Ant gene with a single phene.
- *
- * @tparam T Ant phene type.
+ * Ant gene types.
  */
-template <class T>
-struct monophenic_ant_gene
+enum class ant_gene_type: std::uint8_t
 {
-	/// Gene name.
-	std::string name;
-	
-	/// Phene definition.
-	T phene;
+	antennae = 1,
+	body_size,
+	cocoon,
+	diet,
+	egg,
+	eyes,
+	foraging_time,
+	founding_mode,
+	gaster,
+	head,
+	larva,
+	legs,
+	mandibles,
+	mesosoma,
+	nest_site,
+	ocelli,
+	pigmentation,
+	pilosity,
+	sculpturing,
+	sting,
+	waist,
+	wings
 };
 
-#endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_MONOPHENIC_ANT_GENE_HPP 
+#endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GENE_TYPE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp
similarity index 56%
rename from src/game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp
rename to src/game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp
index 64fa6a5..16266f4 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp
@@ -17,12 +17,26 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-#ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_POLYPHENIC_ANT_GENE_HPP
-#define ANTKEEPER_GAME_POLYPHENIC_ANT_GENE_HPP
+#ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GENE_HPP
+#define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/ant-caste.hpp"
-#include <string>
+#include "game/ant/ant-caste-type.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-type.hpp"
+#include <vector>
 #include <unordered_map>
+#include <engine/utility/hash/fnv1a.hpp>
+
+/**
+ * Abstract base class for ant genes.
+ */
+struct ant_gene_base
+{
+	/// Returns the ant gene type.
+	[[nodiscard]] virtual constexpr ant_gene_type type() const noexcept = 0;
+	
+	/// 32-bit FNV-1a hash of gene name.
+	hash::fnv1a32_t name;
+};
 
 /**
  * Ant gene with caste-specific phenes.
@@ -32,13 +46,15 @@
  * @see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyphenism
  */
 template <class T>
-struct polyphenic_ant_gene
+struct ant_gene: public ant_gene_base
 {
-	/// Gene name.
-	std::string name;
+	[[nodiscard]] constexpr ant_gene_type type() const noexcept override;
+	
+	/// Phene definitions
+	std::vector<T> phenes;
 	
-	/// Caste-specific phene definitions.
-	std::unordered_map<ant_caste, T> phenes;
+	/// Map of ant caste types to phenes.
+	std::unordered_map<ant_caste_type, T*> phene_map;
 };
 
-#endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_POLYPHENIC_ANT_GENE_HPP
+#endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-head-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-head-gene.cpp
index ee24e97..c51b400 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-head-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-head-gene.cpp
@@ -17,54 +17,36 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-head-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-head-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_head_phene(ant_head_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_head_phene(ant_head_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.model = nullptr;
-	phene.length = 0.0f;
-	phene.width = 0.0f;
-	phene.phragmosis = 0.0f;
-	
-	// Load head model
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.length), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.width), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.phragmosis), 1);
 	
-	// Parse length
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("length"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.length = element->get<float>();
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
-	// Parse width
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("width"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.width = element->get<float>();
-	
-	// Parse phragmosis
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("phragmosis"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.phragmosis = element->get<float>();
+	phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_head_gene> resource_loader<ant_head_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto head_element = json_data->find("head");
-	if (head_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid head gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_head_gene> head = std::make_unique<ant_head_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_head_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_head_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*head, &deserialize_ant_head_phene, *head_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_head_phene);
 	
-	return head;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-head-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-head-gene.hpp
index 439f842..05a1770 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-head-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-head-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_HEAD_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_HEAD_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -32,20 +32,26 @@
  */
 struct ant_head_phene
 {
-	/// 3D model of the head.
-	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
-	
 	/// Head length, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float length;
+	float length{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Head width, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float width;
+	float width{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Degree of phragmosis.
-	float phragmosis;
+	float phragmosis{0.0f};
+	
+	/// 3D model of the head.
+	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
 };
 
-/// Polyphenic head gene.
-using ant_head_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_head_phene>;
+/// Ant head gene.
+using ant_head_gene = ant_gene<ant_head_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_head_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::head;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_HEAD_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-larva-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-larva-gene.cpp
index eece30d..74b63fe 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-larva-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-larva-gene.cpp
@@ -17,44 +17,34 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-larva-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-larva-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_larva_phene(ant_larva_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_larva_phene(ant_larva_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.model = nullptr;
-	phene.instar_count = 0;
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.instar_count), 1);
 	
-	// Load larva model
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
-	// Parse instar count
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("instar_count"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.instar_count = element->get<int>();
+	phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_larva_gene> resource_loader<ant_larva_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto larva_element = json_data->find("larva");
-	if (larva_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid larva gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_larva_gene> larva = std::make_unique<ant_larva_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_larva_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_larva_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*larva, &deserialize_ant_larva_phene, *larva_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_larva_phene);
 	
-	return larva;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-larva-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-larva-gene.hpp
index 2e079c2..1c5dd7e 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-larva-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-larva-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_LARVA_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_LARVA_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/monophenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <memory>
@@ -30,14 +30,20 @@
  */
 struct ant_larva_phene
 {
+	/// Number of larval instars before pupation.
+	std::uint8_t instar_count{0};
+	
 	/// 3D model of the larva.
 	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
-	
-	/// Number of larval instars before pupation.
-	std::uint8_t instar_count;
 };
 
 /// Ant larva gene.
-using ant_larva_gene = monophenic_ant_gene<ant_larva_phene>;
+using ant_larva_gene = ant_gene<ant_larva_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_larva_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::larva;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_LARVA_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-legs-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-legs-gene.cpp
index c1ff0ac..cb2b117 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-legs-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-legs-gene.cpp
@@ -17,49 +17,35 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-legs-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-legs-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_legs_phene(ant_legs_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_legs_phene(ant_legs_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.model = nullptr;
-	phene.speed = 0.0f;
-	phene.grip = 0.0f;
-	
-	// Load legs model
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.speed), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.grip), 1);
 	
-	// Parse speed
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("speed"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.speed = element->get<float>();
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
-	// Parse grip
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("grip"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.grip = element->get<float>();
+	phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_legs_gene> resource_loader<ant_legs_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto legs_element = json_data->find("legs");
-	if (legs_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid legs gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_legs_gene> legs = std::make_unique<ant_legs_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_legs_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_legs_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*legs, &deserialize_ant_legs_phene, *legs_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_legs_phene);
 	
-	return legs;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-legs-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-legs-gene.hpp
index 8a6aea9..4d7b73c 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-legs-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-legs-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_LEGS_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_LEGS_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -31,17 +31,23 @@
  */
 struct ant_legs_phene
 {
-	/// 3D model of the legs.
-	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
-	
 	/// Running speed, in mesosomal lengths per second.
-	float speed;
+	float speed{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Grip factor.
-	float grip;
+	float grip{0.0f};
+	
+	/// 3D model of the legs.
+	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
 };
 
-/// Polyphenic legs gene.
-using ant_legs_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_legs_phene>;
+/// Ant legs gene.
+using ant_legs_gene = ant_gene<ant_legs_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_legs_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::legs;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_LEGS_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mandibles-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mandibles-gene.cpp
index 3403654..ce3112e 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mandibles-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mandibles-gene.cpp
@@ -17,54 +17,36 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-mandibles-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-mandibles-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_mandibles_phene(ant_mandibles_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_mandibles_phene(ant_mandibles_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.model = nullptr;
-	phene.length = 0.0f;
-	phene.apical_dental_count = 0;
-	phene.basal_dental_count = 0;
-	
-	// Load mandibles model
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.length), 1);
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.apical_dental_count), 1);
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.basal_dental_count), 1);
 	
-	// Parse length
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("length"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.length = element->get<float>();
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
-	// Parse apical dental count count
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("apical_dental_count"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.apical_dental_count = element->get<int>();
-	
-	// Parse basal dental count count
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("basal_dental_count"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.basal_dental_count = element->get<int>();
+	phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_mandibles_gene> resource_loader<ant_mandibles_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto mandibles_element = json_data->find("mandibles");
-	if (mandibles_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid mandibles gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_mandibles_gene> mandibles = std::make_unique<ant_mandibles_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_mandibles_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_mandibles_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*mandibles, &deserialize_ant_mandibles_phene, *mandibles_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_mandibles_phene);
 	
-	return mandibles;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mandibles-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mandibles-gene.hpp
index 4c718cc..6d8532b 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mandibles-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mandibles-gene.hpp
@@ -20,9 +20,10 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_MANDIBLES_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_MANDIBLES_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
+#include <cstdint>
 
 /**
  * Ant mandibles phene.
@@ -33,20 +34,26 @@
  */
 struct ant_mandibles_phene
 {
-	/// 3D model of the mandibles.
-	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
-	
 	/// Mandible length at closure, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float length;
+	float length{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Number of teeth and denticles on the masticatory (apical) margin of the mandible.
-	int apical_dental_count;
+	std::uint8_t apical_dental_count{0};
 	
 	/// Number of teeth and denticles on the basal margin of the mandible.
-	int basal_dental_count;
+	std::uint8_t basal_dental_count{0};
+	
+	/// 3D model of the mandibles.
+	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
 };
 
 /// Ant mandibles gene.
-using ant_mandibles_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_mandibles_phene>;
+using ant_mandibles_gene = ant_gene<ant_mandibles_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_mandibles_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::mandibles;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_MANDIBLES_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mesosoma-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mesosoma-gene.cpp
index 73ab8b2..7a98339 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mesosoma-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mesosoma-gene.cpp
@@ -17,59 +17,37 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-mesosoma-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-mesosoma-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_mesosoma_phene(ant_mesosoma_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_mesosoma_phene(ant_mesosoma_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.model = nullptr;
-	phene.pronotum_width = 0.0f;
-	phene.pronotum_spinescence = 0.0f;
-	phene.mesonotum_spinescence = 0.0f;
-	phene.propodeum_spinescence = 0.0f;
-	
-	// Load mesosoma model
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
-	
-	// Parse pronotum width
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("pronotum_width"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.pronotum_width = element->get<float>();
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.pronotum_width), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.pronotum_spinescence), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.mesonotum_spinescence), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.propodeum_spinescence), 1);
 	
-	// Parse pronotum spinescence
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("pronotum_spinescence"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.pronotum_spinescence = element->get<float>();
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
-	// Parse mesonotum spinescence
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("mesonotum_spinescence"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.mesonotum_spinescence = element->get<float>();
-	
-	// Parse propodeum spinescence
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("propodeum_spinescence"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.propodeum_spinescence = element->get<float>();
+	phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_mesosoma_gene> resource_loader<ant_mesosoma_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto mesosoma_element = json_data->find("mesosoma");
-	if (mesosoma_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid mesosoma gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_mesosoma_gene> mesosoma = std::make_unique<ant_mesosoma_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_mesosoma_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_mesosoma_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*mesosoma, &deserialize_ant_mesosoma_phene, *mesosoma_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_mesosoma_phene);
 	
-	return mesosoma;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mesosoma-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mesosoma-gene.hpp
index 9d81732..e19de33 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mesosoma-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-mesosoma-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_MESOSOMA_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_MESOSOMA_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -31,23 +31,29 @@
  */
 struct ant_mesosoma_phene
 {
-	/// 3D model of the mesosoma.
-	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
-	
 	/// Pronotum width, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float pronotum_width;
+	float pronotum_width{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Degree of spinescence on the pronotum.
-	float pronotum_spinescence;
+	float pronotum_spinescence{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Degree of spinescence on the mesonotum.
-	float mesonotum_spinescence;
+	float mesonotum_spinescence{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Degree of spinescence on the propodeum.
-	float propodeum_spinescence;
+	float propodeum_spinescence{0.0f};
+	
+	/// 3D model of the mesosoma.
+	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
 };
 
 /// Ant mesosoma gene.
-using ant_mesosoma_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_mesosoma_phene>;
+using ant_mesosoma_gene = ant_gene<ant_mesosoma_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_mesosoma_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::mesosoma;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_MESOSOMA_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-nest-site-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-nest-site-gene.cpp
index 243421f..12b1490 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-nest-site-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-nest-site-gene.cpp
@@ -17,34 +17,26 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-nest-site-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-nest-site-gene.hpp"
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_nest_site_phene(ant_nest_site_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_nest_site_phene(ant_nest_site_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	
+
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_nest_site_gene> resource_loader<ant_nest_site_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto nest_site_element = json_data->find("nest_site");
-	if (nest_site_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid nest_site gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_nest_site_gene> nest_site = std::make_unique<ant_nest_site_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_nest_site_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_nest_site_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*nest_site, &deserialize_ant_nest_site_phene, *nest_site_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_nest_site_phene);
 	
-	return nest_site;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-nest-site-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-nest-site-gene.hpp
index e2b34dc..7e657cc 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-nest-site-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-nest-site-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_NEST_SITE_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_NEST_SITE_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/monophenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <cstdint>
 
 /**
@@ -33,6 +33,12 @@ enum class ant_nest_site_phene: std::uint8_t
 };
 
 /// Ant nest site gene.
-using ant_nest_site_gene = monophenic_ant_gene<ant_nest_site_phene>;
+using ant_nest_site_gene = ant_gene<ant_nest_site_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_nest_site_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::nest_site;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_NEST_SITE_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-ocelli-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-ocelli-gene.cpp
index 7eb0328..819aa0d 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-ocelli-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-ocelli-gene.cpp
@@ -17,70 +17,59 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-ocelli-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-ocelli-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_ocelli_phene(ant_ocelli_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_ocelli_phene(ant_ocelli_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.lateral_ocelli_present = false;
-	phene.median_ocellus_present = false;
-	phene.lateral_ocelli_model = nullptr;
-	phene.median_ocellus_model = nullptr;
-	phene.width = 0.0f;
-	phene.height = 0.0f;
+	std::uint8_t lateral_ocelli_present{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&lateral_ocelli_present), 1);
+	phene.lateral_ocelli_present = static_cast<bool>(lateral_ocelli_present);
 	
-	// Parse lateral ocelli present
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("lateral_ocelli_present"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.lateral_ocelli_present = element->get<bool>();
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.lateral_ocelli_width), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.lateral_ocelli_height), 1);
 	
-	// Parse median ocelli present
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("median_ocellus_present"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.median_ocellus_present = element->get<bool>();
+	std::uint8_t lateral_ocelli_model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&lateral_ocelli_model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string lateral_ocelli_model_filename(lateral_ocelli_model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(lateral_ocelli_model_filename.data()), lateral_ocelli_model_filename_length);
 	
-	// Parse width
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("width"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.width = element->get<float>();
-	
-	// Parse height
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("height"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.height = element->get<float>();
-	
-	// Load lateral ocelli model, if present
 	if (phene.lateral_ocelli_present)
 	{
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("lateral_ocelli_model"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.lateral_ocelli_model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+		phene.lateral_ocelli_model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(lateral_ocelli_model_filename);
 	}
 	
-	// Load median ocellus model, if present
+	std::uint8_t median_ocellus_present{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&median_ocellus_present), 1);
+	phene.median_ocellus_present = static_cast<bool>(median_ocellus_present);
+	
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.median_ocellus_width), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.median_ocellus_height), 1);
+	
+	std::uint8_t median_ocellus_model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&median_ocellus_model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string median_ocellus_model_filename(median_ocellus_model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(median_ocellus_model_filename.data()), median_ocellus_model_filename_length);
+	
 	if (phene.median_ocellus_present)
 	{
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("median_ocellus_model"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.median_ocellus_model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+		phene.median_ocellus_model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(median_ocellus_model_filename);
 	}
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_ocelli_gene> resource_loader<ant_ocelli_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto ocelli_element = json_data->find("ocelli");
-	if (ocelli_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid ocelli gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_ocelli_gene> ocelli = std::make_unique<ant_ocelli_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_ocelli_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_ocelli_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*ocelli, &deserialize_ant_ocelli_phene, *ocelli_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_ocelli_phene);
 	
-	return ocelli;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-ocelli-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-ocelli-gene.hpp
index 2a5e01a..3aa9ed7 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-ocelli-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-ocelli-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_PHENE_OCELLI_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_PHENE_OCELLI_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -29,26 +29,38 @@
  */
 struct ant_ocelli_phene
 {
-	/// 3D model of the lateral ocelli, if present.
-	std::shared_ptr<render::model> lateral_ocelli_model;
+	/// Lateral ocelli present.
+	bool lateral_ocelli_present{false};
 	
-	/// 3D model of the median ocellus, if present.
-	std::shared_ptr<render::model> median_ocellus_model;
+	/// Lateral ocelli width, in mesosomal lengths.
+	float lateral_ocelli_width{0.0f};
 	
-	/// Lateral ocelli present.
-	bool lateral_ocelli_present;
+	/// Lateral ocelli height, in mesosomal lengths.
+	float lateral_ocelli_height{0.0f};
+	
+	/// 3D model of the lateral ocelli, if present.
+	std::shared_ptr<render::model> lateral_ocelli_model;
 	
 	/// Median ocellus present.
-	bool median_ocellus_present;
+	bool median_ocellus_present{false};
 	
-	/// Ocellus width, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float width;
+	/// Median ocellus width, in mesosomal lengths.
+	float median_ocellus_width{0.0f};
 	
-	/// Ocellus height, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float height;
+	/// Median ocellus height, in mesosomal lengths.
+	float median_ocellus_height{0.0f};
+	
+	/// 3D model of the median ocellus, if present.
+	std::shared_ptr<render::model> median_ocellus_model;
 };
 
 /// Ant ocelli gene.
-using ant_ocelli_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_ocelli_phene>;
+using ant_ocelli_gene = ant_gene<ant_ocelli_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_ocelli_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::ocelli;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_PHENE_OCELLI_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pigmentation-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pigmentation-gene.cpp
index d891fad..efab7ef 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pigmentation-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pigmentation-gene.cpp
@@ -17,39 +17,32 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-pigmentation-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-pigmentation-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/material.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_pigmentation_phene(ant_pigmentation_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_pigmentation_phene(ant_pigmentation_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.material = nullptr;
+	std::uint8_t material_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&material_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string material_filename(material_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(material_filename.data()), material_filename_length);
 	
-	// Load pigmentation material
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("material"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.material = resource_manager.load<render::material>(element->get<std::string>());
+	phene.material = resource_manager.load<render::material>(material_filename);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_pigmentation_gene> resource_loader<ant_pigmentation_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto pigmentation_element = json_data->find("pigmentation");
-	if (pigmentation_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid pigmentation gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_pigmentation_gene> pigmentation = std::make_unique<ant_pigmentation_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_pigmentation_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_pigmentation_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*pigmentation, &deserialize_ant_pigmentation_phene, *pigmentation_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_pigmentation_phene);
 	
-	return pigmentation;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pigmentation-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pigmentation-gene.hpp
index fc1c17a..0820680 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pigmentation-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pigmentation-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_PIGMENTATION_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_PIGMENTATION_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/material.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -34,6 +34,12 @@ struct ant_pigmentation_phene
 };
 
 /// Ant pigmentation gene.
-using ant_pigmentation_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_pigmentation_phene>;
+using ant_pigmentation_gene = ant_gene<ant_pigmentation_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_pigmentation_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::pigmentation;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_PIGMENTATION_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pilosity-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pilosity-gene.cpp
index b65946c..4dc4e36 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pilosity-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pilosity-gene.cpp
@@ -17,38 +17,26 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-pilosity-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-pilosity-gene.hpp"
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_pilosity_phene(ant_pilosity_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_pilosity_phene(ant_pilosity_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.density = 0.0f;
-	
-	// Parse density
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("density"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.density = element->get<float>();
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.density), 1);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_pilosity_gene> resource_loader<ant_pilosity_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto pilosity_element = json_data->find("pilosity");
-	if (pilosity_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid pilosity gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_pilosity_gene> pilosity = std::make_unique<ant_pilosity_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_pilosity_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_pilosity_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*pilosity, &deserialize_ant_pilosity_phene, *pilosity_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_pilosity_phene);
 	
-	return pilosity;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pilosity-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pilosity-gene.hpp
index d7618c8..1ac793c 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pilosity-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-pilosity-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_PILOSITY_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_PILOSITY_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 
 /**
  * Ant pilosity phene.
@@ -28,10 +28,16 @@
 struct ant_pilosity_phene
 {
 	/// Hair density.
-	float density;
+	float density{0.0f};
 };
 
 /// Ant pilosity gene.
-using ant_pilosity_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_pilosity_phene>;
+using ant_pilosity_gene = ant_gene<ant_pilosity_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_pilosity_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::pilosity;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_PILOSITY_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sculpturing-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sculpturing-gene.cpp
index 097a4c6..36c5412 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sculpturing-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sculpturing-gene.cpp
@@ -17,44 +17,34 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-sculpturing-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-sculpturing-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/gl/texture-2d.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_sculpturing_phene(ant_sculpturing_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_sculpturing_phene(ant_sculpturing_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.normal_map = nullptr;
-	phene.roughness = 0.0f;
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.roughness), 1);
 	
-	// Load normal map
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("normal_map"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.normal_map = resource_manager.load<gl::texture_2d>(element->get<std::string>());
+	std::uint8_t normal_map_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&normal_map_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string normal_map_filename(normal_map_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(normal_map_filename.data()), normal_map_filename_length);
 	
-	// Parse roughness
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("roughness"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.roughness = element->get<float>();
+	phene.normal_map = resource_manager.load<gl::texture_2d>(normal_map_filename);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_sculpturing_gene> resource_loader<ant_sculpturing_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto sculpturing_element = json_data->find("sculpturing");
-	if (sculpturing_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid sculpturing gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_sculpturing_gene> sculpturing = std::make_unique<ant_sculpturing_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_sculpturing_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_sculpturing_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*sculpturing, &deserialize_ant_sculpturing_phene, *sculpturing_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_sculpturing_phene);
 	
-	return sculpturing;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sculpturing-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sculpturing-gene.hpp
index 25132b3..9a71dd4 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sculpturing-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sculpturing-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_SCULPTURING_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_SCULPTURING_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/gl/texture-2d.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -30,13 +30,19 @@
 struct ant_sculpturing_phene
 {
 	/// Surface roughness.
-	float roughness;
+	float roughness{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Surface culpturing normal map.
 	std::shared_ptr<gl::texture_2d> normal_map;
 };
 
-/// Polyphenic sculpturing gene.
-using ant_sculpturing_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_sculpturing_phene>;
+/// Ant sculpturing gene.
+using ant_sculpturing_gene = ant_gene<ant_sculpturing_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_sculpturing_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::sculpturing;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_SCULPTURING_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sting-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sting-gene.cpp
index cbbcf75..d2e840e 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sting-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sting-gene.cpp
@@ -17,47 +17,39 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-sting-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-sting-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_sting_phene(ant_sting_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_sting_phene(ant_sting_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.present = false;
-	phene.model = nullptr;
+	std::uint8_t present{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&present), 1);
+	phene.present = static_cast<bool>(present);
 	
-	// Parse present
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("present"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.present = element->get<bool>();
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
 	if (phene.present)
 	{
-		// Load sting model
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 	}
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_sting_gene> resource_loader<ant_sting_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto sting_element = json_data->find("sting");
-	if (sting_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid sting gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_sting_gene> sting = std::make_unique<ant_sting_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_sting_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_sting_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*sting, &deserialize_ant_sting_phene, *sting_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_sting_phene);
 	
-	return sting;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sting-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sting-gene.hpp
index f533e9f..6fb5529 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sting-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-sting-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_STING_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_STING_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -30,13 +30,19 @@
 struct ant_sting_phene
 {
 	/// Indicates whether a sting present or not.
-	bool present;
+	bool present{false};
 	
 	/// 3D model of the sting.
 	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
 };
 
-/// Polyphenic sting gene.
-using ant_sting_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_sting_phene>;
+/// Ant sting gene.
+using ant_sting_gene = ant_gene<ant_sting_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_sting_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::sting;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_STING_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-waist-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-waist-gene.cpp
index 959f8de..e4066aa 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-waist-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-waist-gene.cpp
@@ -17,95 +17,50 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-waist-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-waist-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_waist_phene(ant_waist_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_waist_phene(ant_waist_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.model = nullptr;
-	phene.petiole_present = false;
-	phene.petiole_length = 0.0f;
-	phene.petiole_width = 0.0f;
-	phene.petiole_height = 0.0f;
-	phene.petiole_spinescence = 0.0f;
-	phene.postpetiole_present = false;
-	phene.postpetiole_length = 0.0f;
-	phene.postpetiole_width = 0.0f;
-	phene.postpetiole_height = 0.0f;
-	phene.postpetiole_spinescence = 0.0f;
+	std::uint8_t petiole_present{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&petiole_present), 1);
+	phene.petiole_present = static_cast<bool>(petiole_present);
 	
-	// Load waist model
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("model"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.petiole_length), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.petiole_width), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.petiole_height), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.petiole_spinescence), 1);
 	
-	// Parse petiole present
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("petiole_present"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.petiole_present = element->get<bool>();
+	std::uint8_t postpetiole_present{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&postpetiole_present), 1);
+	phene.postpetiole_present = static_cast<bool>(postpetiole_present);
 	
-	// Parse postpetiole present
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("postpetiole_present"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.postpetiole_present = element->get<bool>();
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.postpetiole_length), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.postpetiole_width), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.postpetiole_height), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.postpetiole_spinescence), 1);
 	
-	if (phene.petiole_present)
-	{
-		// Parse petiole length
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("petiole_length"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.petiole_length = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse petiole width
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("petiole_width"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.petiole_width = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse petiole height
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("petiole_height"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.petiole_height = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse petiole spinescence
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("petiole_spinescence"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.petiole_spinescence = element->get<float>();
-	}
+	std::uint8_t model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string model_filename(model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(model_filename.data()), model_filename_length);
 	
-	if (phene.postpetiole_present)
-	{
-		// Parse postpetiole length
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("postpetiole_length"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.postpetiole_length = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse postpetiole width
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("postpetiole_width"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.postpetiole_width = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse postpetiole height
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("postpetiole_height"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.postpetiole_height = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse postpetiole spinescence
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("postpetiole_spinescence"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.postpetiole_spinescence = element->get<float>();
-	}
+	phene.model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(model_filename);
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_waist_gene> resource_loader<ant_waist_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto waist_element = json_data->find("waist");
-	if (waist_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid waist gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_waist_gene> waist = std::make_unique<ant_waist_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_waist_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_waist_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*waist, &deserialize_ant_waist_phene, *waist_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_waist_phene);
 	
-	return waist;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-waist-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-waist-gene.hpp
index 648cb71..be26a36 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-waist-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-waist-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_WAIST_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_WAIST_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -31,41 +31,47 @@
  */
 struct ant_waist_phene
 {
-	/// 3D model of the waist.
-	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
-	
 	//// Petiole presence.
-	bool petiole_present;
+	bool petiole_present{false};
 	
 	/// Petiole length, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float petiole_length;
+	float petiole_length{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Petiole width, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float petiole_width;
+	float petiole_width{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Petiole height, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float petiole_height;
+	float petiole_height{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Degree of petiole spinescence.
-	float petiole_spinescence;
+	float petiole_spinescence{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Postpetiole presence.
-	bool postpetiole_present;
+	bool postpetiole_present{false};
 	
 	/// Postpetiole length, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float postpetiole_length;
+	float postpetiole_length{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Postpetiole width, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float postpetiole_width;
+	float postpetiole_width{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Postpetiole height, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float postpetiole_height;
+	float postpetiole_height{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Degree of postpetiole spinescence
-	float postpetiole_spinescence;
+	float postpetiole_spinescence{0.0f};
+	
+	/// 3D model of the waist.
+	std::shared_ptr<render::model> model;
 };
 
-/// Polyphenic waist gene.
-using ant_waist_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_waist_phene>;
+/// Ant waist gene.
+using ant_waist_gene = ant_gene<ant_waist_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_waist_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::waist;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_WAIST_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-wings-gene.cpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-wings-gene.cpp
index 195c4e6..2c3f622 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-wings-gene.cpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-wings-gene.cpp
@@ -17,82 +17,57 @@
  * along with Antkeeper source code.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-wings-gene.hpp"
 #include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene-loader.hpp"
 #include <engine/resources/resource-loader.hpp>
 #include <engine/resources/resource-manager.hpp>
-#include <engine/utility/json.hpp>
-#include "game/ant/genes/ant-wings-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
-#include <stdexcept>
 
-static void deserialize_ant_wings_phene(ant_wings_phene& phene, const json& phene_element, resource_manager& resource_manager)
+namespace {
+
+void load_ant_wings_phene(ant_wings_phene& phene, ::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	phene.present = false;
-	phene.forewings_model = nullptr;
-	phene.hindwings_model = nullptr;
-	phene.forewing_length = 0.0f;
-	phene.forewing_width = 0.0f;
-	phene.forewing_venation = 0.0f;
-	phene.hindwing_length = 0.0f;
-	phene.hindwing_width = 0.0f;
-	phene.hindwing_venation = 0.0f;
+	std::uint8_t present{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&present), 1);
+	phene.present = static_cast<bool>(present);
+	
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.forewing_length), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.forewing_width), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.forewing_venation), 1);
 	
-	// Parse present
-	if (auto element = phene_element.find("present"); element != phene_element.end())
-		phene.present = element->get<bool>();
+	std::uint8_t forewings_model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&forewings_model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string forewings_model_filename(forewings_model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(forewings_model_filename.data()), forewings_model_filename_length);
 	
 	if (phene.present)
 	{
-		// Load forewings model
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("forewings_model"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.forewings_model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
-		
-		// Load hindwings model
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("hindwings_model"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.hindwings_model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(element->get<std::string>());
-		
-		// Parse forewing length
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("forewing_length"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.forewing_length = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse forewing width
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("forewing_width"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.forewing_width = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse forewing venation
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("forewing_venation"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.forewing_venation = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse hindwing length
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("hindwing_length"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.hindwing_length = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse hindwing width
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("hindwing_width"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.hindwing_width = element->get<float>();
-		
-		// Parse hindwing venation
-		if (auto element = phene_element.find("hindwing_venation"); element != phene_element.end())
-			phene.hindwing_venation = element->get<float>();
+		phene.forewings_model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(forewings_model_filename);
+	}
+	
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.hindwing_length), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.hindwing_width), 1);
+	ctx.read32<std::endian::little>(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&phene.hindwing_venation), 1);
+	
+	std::uint8_t hindwings_model_filename_length{0};
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(&hindwings_model_filename_length), 1);
+	std::string hindwings_model_filename(hindwings_model_filename_length, '\0');
+	ctx.read8(reinterpret_cast<std::byte*>(hindwings_model_filename.data()), hindwings_model_filename_length);
+	
+	if (phene.present)
+	{
+		phene.hindwings_model = resource_manager.load<render::model>(hindwings_model_filename);
 	}
 }
 
+} // namespace
+
 template <>
 std::unique_ptr<ant_wings_gene> resource_loader<ant_wings_gene>::load(::resource_manager& resource_manager, deserialize_context& ctx)
 {
-	// Load JSON data
-	auto json_data = resource_loader<nlohmann::json>::load(resource_manager, ctx);
-	
-	// Validate gene file
-	auto wings_element = json_data->find("wings");
-	if (wings_element == json_data->end())
-		throw std::runtime_error("Invalid wings gene.");
-	
-	// Allocate gene
-	std::unique_ptr<ant_wings_gene> wings = std::make_unique<ant_wings_gene>();
+	std::unique_ptr<ant_wings_gene> gene = std::make_unique<ant_wings_gene>();
 	
-	// Deserialize gene
-	deserialize_ant_gene(*wings, &deserialize_ant_wings_phene, *wings_element, resource_manager);
+	load_ant_gene(*gene, resource_manager, ctx, &load_ant_wings_phene);
 	
-	return wings;
+	return gene;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-wings-gene.hpp b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-wings-gene.hpp
index d4c3688..c979493 100644
--- a/src/game/ant/genes/ant-wings-gene.hpp
+++ b/src/game/ant/genes/ant-wings-gene.hpp
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_WINGS_GENE_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_WINGS_GENE_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/genes/polyphenic-ant-gene.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/genes/ant-gene.hpp"
 #include <engine/render/model.hpp>
 #include <memory>
 
@@ -29,35 +29,41 @@
  */
 struct ant_wings_phene
 {
-	/// 3D model of the forewings.
-	std::shared_ptr<render::model> forewings_model;
-	
-	/// 3D model of the hindwings.
-	std::shared_ptr<render::model> hindwings_model;
-	
 	/// Wings presence.
-	bool present;
+	bool present{false};
 	
 	/// Forewing length, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float forewing_length;
+	float forewing_length{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Forewing width, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float forewing_width;
+	float forewing_width{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Degree of forewing venation. A value of `1.0` indicates a highly-developed venation pattern, while `0.0` indicates a complete absence of visible venation.
-	float forewing_venation;
+	float forewing_venation{0.0f};
 	
-	/// Forewing length, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float hindwing_length;
+	/// 3D model of the forewings.
+	std::shared_ptr<render::model> forewings_model;
 	
-	/// Forewing width, in mesosomal lengths.
-	float hindwing_width;
+	/// Hindwing length, in mesosomal lengths.
+	float hindwing_length{0.0f};
+	
+	/// Hindwing width, in mesosomal lengths.
+	float hindwing_width{0.0f};
 	
 	/// Degree of hindwing venation. A value of `1.0` indicates a highly-developed venation pattern, while `0.0` indicates a complete absence of visible venation.
-	float hindwing_venation;
+	float hindwing_venation{0.0f};
+	
+	/// 3D model of the hindwings.
+	std::shared_ptr<render::model> hindwings_model;
 };
 
-/// Polyphenic wings gene.
-using ant_wings_gene = polyphenic_ant_gene<ant_wings_phene>;
+/// Ant wings gene.
+using ant_wings_gene = ant_gene<ant_wings_phene>;
+
+template <>
+inline constexpr ant_gene_type ant_wings_gene::type() const noexcept
+{
+	return ant_gene_type::wings;
+}
 
 #endif // ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_WINGS_GENE_HPP
diff --git a/src/game/components/ant-caste-component.hpp b/src/game/components/ant-caste-component.hpp
index 8d8e59c..05fd88c 100644
--- a/src/game/components/ant-caste-component.hpp
+++ b/src/game/components/ant-caste-component.hpp
@@ -20,12 +20,12 @@
 #ifndef ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_CASTE_COMPONENT_HPP
 #define ANTKEEPER_GAME_ANT_CASTE_COMPONENT_HPP
 
-#include "game/ant/ant-caste.hpp"
+#include "game/ant/ant-caste-type.hpp"
 
 struct ant_caste_component
 {
 	/// Caste type.
-	ant_caste type;
+	ant_caste_type caste_type;
 	
 	/// Subcaste type.
 	//ant_subcaste subtype;
diff --git a/src/game/game.hpp b/src/game/game.hpp
index 8441e3f..08cce7a 100644
--- a/src/game/game.hpp
+++ b/src/game/game.hpp
@@ -358,7 +358,7 @@ public:
 	
 	double3 rgb_wavelengths;
 	
-	const ecoregion* active_ecoregion;
+	std::shared_ptr<ecoregion> active_ecoregion;
 	
 	render::anti_aliasing_method anti_aliasing_method;
 	
diff --git a/src/game/spawn.cpp b/src/game/spawn.cpp
index 5cacdec..e056d91 100644
--- a/src/game/spawn.cpp
+++ b/src/game/spawn.cpp
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ entity::id spawn_ant_egg(::game& ctx, const ant_genome& genome, bool fertilized,
 	
 	// Construct model component
 	model_component model_component;
-	model_component.render_model = genome.egg->phene.model;
+	model_component.render_model = genome.egg->phenes.front().model;
 	model_component.instance_count = 0;
 	model_component.layers = ~0;
 	ctx.entity_registry->emplace<::model_component>(egg_eid, model_component);
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ entity::id spawn_ant_larva(::game& ctx, const ant_genome& genome, const float3&
 	
 	// Construct model component
 	model_component model_component;
-	model_component.render_model = genome.larva->phene.model;
+	model_component.render_model = genome.larva->phenes.front().model;
 	model_component.instance_count = 0;
 	model_component.layers = ~0;
 	ctx.entity_registry->emplace<::model_component>(larva_eid, model_component);
diff --git a/src/game/states/main-menu-state.cpp b/src/game/states/main-menu-state.cpp
index 7111da7..361689d 100644
--- a/src/game/states/main-menu-state.cpp
+++ b/src/game/states/main-menu-state.cpp
@@ -131,9 +131,9 @@ main_menu_state::main_menu_state(::game& ctx, bool fade_in):
 				[&ctx]()
 				{
 					ctx.state_machine.pop();
-					ctx.state_machine.emplace(std::make_unique<nuptial_flight_state>(ctx));
+					//ctx.state_machine.emplace(std::make_unique<nuptial_flight_state>(ctx));
 					//ctx.state_machine.emplace(std::make_unique<collection_menu_state>(ctx));
-					//ctx.state_machine.emplace(std::make_unique<nest_selection_state>(ctx));
+					ctx.state_machine.emplace(std::make_unique<nest_selection_state>(ctx));
 				}
 			);
 		};
diff --git a/src/game/states/nest-selection-state.cpp b/src/game/states/nest-selection-state.cpp
index 54bb701..6aff80b 100644
--- a/src/game/states/nest-selection-state.cpp
+++ b/src/game/states/nest-selection-state.cpp
@@ -79,7 +79,9 @@ nest_selection_state::nest_selection_state(::game& ctx):
 		// Create observer
 		::world::create_observer(ctx);
 	}
-	::world::enter_ecoregion(ctx, *ctx.resource_manager->load<::ecoregion>("seedy-scrub.eco"));
+	
+	ctx.active_ecoregion = ctx.resource_manager->load<::ecoregion>("seedy-scrub.eco");
+	::world::enter_ecoregion(ctx, *ctx.active_ecoregion);
 	
 	debug::log::trace("Generating genome...");
 	std::random_device rng;
@@ -87,7 +89,7 @@ nest_selection_state::nest_selection_state(::game& ctx):
 	debug::log::trace("Generated genome");
 	
 	debug::log::trace("Building worker phenome...");
-	ant_phenome worker_phenome = ant_phenome(*genome, ant_caste::worker);
+	ant_phenome worker_phenome = ant_phenome(*genome, ant_caste_type::worker);
 	debug::log::trace("Built worker phenome...");
 	
 	debug::log::trace("Generating worker model...");
@@ -98,7 +100,7 @@ nest_selection_state::nest_selection_state(::game& ctx):
 	entity::id worker_eid = ctx.entity_registry->create();
 	transform_component worker_transform_component;
 	worker_transform_component.local = math::transform<float>::identity;
-	worker_transform_component.local.translation = {0, 0, -20};
+	worker_transform_component.local.translation = {0, 0, -4};
 	worker_transform_component.world = worker_transform_component.local;
 	worker_transform_component.warp = true;
 	ctx.entity_registry->emplace<transform_component>(worker_eid, worker_transform_component);
diff --git a/src/game/states/nuptial-flight-state.cpp b/src/game/states/nuptial-flight-state.cpp
index e0805a9..1c716c1 100644
--- a/src/game/states/nuptial-flight-state.cpp
+++ b/src/game/states/nuptial-flight-state.cpp
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ nuptial_flight_state::nuptial_flight_state(::game& ctx):
 	(
 		[&](entity::id entity_id, const auto& caste)
 		{
-			if (caste.type == ant_caste::male)
+			if (caste.caste_type == ant_caste_type::male)
 			{
 				ctx.entity_registry->emplace_or_replace<name_component>
 				(
@@ -971,21 +971,21 @@ void nuptial_flight_state::select_entity(entity::id entity_id)
 				const auto& name = ctx.entity_registry->get<::name_component>(selected_eid).name;
 				
 				std::string format_string;
-				switch (caste.type)
+				switch (caste.caste_type)
 				{
-					case ::ant_caste::queen:
+					case ::ant_caste_type::queen:
 						format_string = ::get_string(ctx, "named_queen_label_format");
 						break;
 					
-					case ::ant_caste::worker:
+					case ::ant_caste_type::worker:
 						format_string = ::get_string(ctx, "named_worker_label_format");
 						break;
 					
-					case ::ant_caste::soldier:
+					case ::ant_caste_type::soldier:
 						format_string = ::get_string(ctx, "named_soldier_label_format");
 						break;
 					
-					case ::ant_caste::male:
+					case ::ant_caste_type::male:
 						format_string = ::get_string(ctx, "named_male_label_format");
 						break;
 					
@@ -998,21 +998,21 @@ void nuptial_flight_state::select_entity(entity::id entity_id)
 			}
 			else
 			{
-				switch (caste.type)
+				switch (caste.caste_type)
 				{
-					case ::ant_caste::queen:
+					case ::ant_caste_type::queen:
 						selection_text.set_content(get_string(ctx, "queen_caste_name"));
 						break;
 					
-					case ::ant_caste::worker:
+					case ::ant_caste_type::worker:
 						selection_text.set_content(get_string(ctx, "worker_caste_name"));
 						break;
 					
-					case ::ant_caste::soldier:
+					case ::ant_caste_type::soldier:
 						selection_text.set_content(get_string(ctx, "soldier_caste_name"));
 						break;
 					
-					case ::ant_caste::male:
+					case ::ant_caste_type::male:
 						selection_text.set_content(get_string(ctx, "male_caste_name"));
 						break;
 					
diff --git a/src/game/world.cpp b/src/game/world.cpp
index f61fbb4..fffad26 100644
--- a/src/game/world.cpp
+++ b/src/game/world.cpp
@@ -524,7 +524,7 @@ void enter_ecoregion(::game& ctx, const ecoregion& ecoregion)
 	debug::log::trace("Entering ecoregion {}...", ecoregion.name);
 	{
 		// Set active ecoregion
-		ctx.active_ecoregion = &ecoregion;
+		//ctx.active_ecoregion = &ecoregion;
 		
 		// Set location
 		::world::set_location(ctx, ecoregion.elevation, ecoregion.latitude, ecoregion.longitude);