How does salamanders appearance change during their life cycle?

Salamanders undergo significant changes during their life cycle, particularly during metamorphosis. Most species begin as aquatic larvae with gills and a tail, which allows them to thrive in water. As they mature, they develop lungs and may lose their tails, transitioning to a terrestrial or semi-aquatic adult form with a more diverse range of colors and patterns. Some species retain their larval features as adults, a condition known as neoteny.