Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a bit of an odd question about pieds. Has anyone ever noticed that some pieds' markings, particularly the markings called "eyes" are sometimes edged with black and sometimes they're not. I have noticed that the pictures I've seen without the black edging around the markings always tend to be very young snakes, which made me wonder if this is something that they develop with age. I am looking into buying a pied very soon and I really prefer the ones with the black outlining, I think it makes for a cleaner looking snake (just my opinion). Anyone else ever picked up on this or have any thoughts on this?

The black edging does show up a few months after they hatch. As well as the random black scales or spots that can show up in the white areas. I believe all of the pieds I've hatched have developed the black border. I started my breeding group with a diverse group of hets, most of which showed very well-defined "belly markers". I've often wondered if the black edging on the pieds is related to the "belly markers" on the hets. One reason I think it may be related is the black borders on pieds are better defined the closer they get to the tail...Just like the "belly markers" on the hets. Maybe someone who is producing pieds from hets with "normal" bellies can provide some insight regarding my theory.
Paul