About Plethodon jacksoni Newman, 1954
Plethodon jacksoni, formally described by Newman in 1954, is extremely similar in appearance to Wehrle's salamander (P. wehrlei) in both body proportions and coloration. This species has a slender build, a rounded head, large eyes, and a short snout. Males reach a maximum total length of 13.5 cm (5.3 in), with an average length of 11.6 cm (4.6 in). Females grow to a maximum total length of 13.3 cm (5.2 in), with an average length of 12.5 cm (4.9 in). In general size comparison, P. jacksoni is larger than P. dixi and smaller than P. wehrlei. Mature males have a prominent mental gland on the chin and noticeable swellings above the base of the tail, while females have proportionally longer bodies than males. The species' background body color is dark bluish gray, with the back forming the darkest area of the body. The throat and belly are lighter in color, but there is no consistent pattern of light color distribution on the underside across individual specimens. Distinctive white blotches typically appear on the sides and limbs, and sometimes extend onto the belly. Silvery mottling and small white flecks may be present on the back and tail. A small number of individuals, including the species' holotype specimen, have sparse but distinct reddish-orange spots on the back. The natural habitat of Plethodon jacksoni is temperate forest. In late winter and early spring, individuals can be found sheltering under rocks and logs on dry hillsides. Some members of the species live inside caves, even during parts of the year when they cannot be observed on the surface. Plethodon jacksoni is most commonly found in Montgomery County, Virginia, and has also been recorded in Giles County, Craig County, and possibly Pittsylvania County in the state. A population of "southern wehrlei" salamanders, which may be closely related to P. jacksoni or fall within this species, occurs as far south as Stokes and Alleghany counties in northwestern North Carolina.
