terms used for patterns...

"flames" & "blushing" are 2 that i see thrown around alot. can someone explain them to me? what's blushing? whats flames? are those big round things on the snakes sides called "alien heads"...i think i've heard that one too... if you look at the 2nd pic in my "the babies im looking at" thread theres a clear pic of the pattern on the snakes body. i think i see the "alien heads", but can you tell me if theres any "blushing"?
are the "flames" the grayish areas between the head lookin' things? those areas look like gray fire flames so im guessing those are the "flames"...
am i right?
what are the dots along the spine called?

Blushing is a fading in the dark pattern on the back - these girls have a lot of blushing:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...ReeseJune3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...ckenzieJan.jpg

Flames are the what you described, the lighter areas between the side patterns that come up as flames:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/DSC_0201.jpg

Alien heads are the side patterns that generally have two dots in them that look like little alien heads. You'll notice that a lot of people name their ball pythons "Roswell" because of this patterning.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...e/Kashmire.jpg

Those that lack the two dots in the side patterns in all of the side patterns (or at least in 90% of them) are often referred to as reduced pattern (the first two pictures I posted are of reduced pattern females that also have blushing).

The dots along the back are not really referred as anything, but the lack of them makes a snake a black back - like this girl:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9.../PretJune6.jpg

@ robin: i know theres a terminology thread around here and i don't remember if this is included. if not, you should add these :D.

A "Striper" or "Solid Striper" is just that. Instead of dorsal spots, there will be a solid, unbroken stripe that runs from the head to the tail, and here is a great example of one...:gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KeXx

I'll throw in my gold striped female in the mix...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/...edee4b50_b.jpg

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wow ok! thx everyone, for the helpful input.