Changes in chromatin structure can occur through histone modification, such as phosphorylation. Changes in chromatin structure can also be detected by mutations that suppress or enhance of the phenotypic expression of easily visible marker loci, such as white, as observed in Position Effect Variegation (PEV). Seven mutations in banshee (bshe, CG8878) were recovered in a genetic screen for dominant enhancers of PEV. The predicted amino acid sequence of BSHE suggests a protein kinase within the CK1 protein kinase family. Phylogenetic analysis of Drosophila melanogaster BSHE with sequences from other Dipterans, insects, and arthropods shows that BSHE represents a type of protein kinase that is insect specific, unlike the other groups within the CK1 family. The closest protein kinase sub-family to BSHE is ballchen, a vaccinia related kinase (VRK), which is known to modify histone proteins. BSHE is unusual in that it has an acid-rich amino acid stretch inserted within the predicted kinase catalytic domain. I-TASSER 3D structure predictions of BSHE put the insert stretch in a position that retains the catalytic site 3D structure and thus its predicted enzyme activity. The length of the insert varies among insect families with Drosophila species having the longest inserts. BSHE appears to play a role in changing chromatin structure, possibly via its kinase activity.