What is the eft stage of eastern North American newts?
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Caudata
Tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) are widespread across much of the United States. Although they are generally black with yellow blotches, bars, spots, or even stripes, some are lighter in colour or have olive markings. Tiger salamanders belong to the mole salamander family, Ambystomatidae.
The eft stage of eastern North American newts—specifically the common species Notophthalmus viridescens—is a distinct, brick-red terrestrial form.12
While many amphibians in the order Caudata undergo metamorphosis to transition from aquatic larvae to adult body plans, this specific life stage represents a unique phase where the animal leaves its aquatic habitat to live on land. During this period, the newt is often referred to as a "red eft" due to its characteristic coloration.321