Blacksburg Salamander

Plethodon jacksoni is very similar in appearance to the Wehrle's salamander (P. wehrlei) in both proportions and color. It is slender in build, with a rounded head, large eyes, and a short snout. Males can reach up to 13.5 cm (5.3 in) in total length (11.6 cm (4.6 in) on average), with females up to 13.3 cm (5.2 in), 12.5 cm (4.9 in) on average. Broadly speaking, P. jacksoni are larger than P. dixi and smaller than P. wehrlei. Mature males have a prominent mental gland on the chin and swellings above the base of the tail, while females have proportionally longer bodies. The background color is dark bluish gray, with the back as the darkest part of the body. The throat and belly are lighter, though there is little consistency between specimens regarding the distribution of light coloration on the underside. Distinctive white blotches typically occur on the sides and limbs and sometimes encroach onto the belly. Silvery mottling and tiny white flecks may be present on the back and tail. Some individuals, including the holotype, have sparse but distinctive reddish-orange spots on the back.

The natural habitat of Plethodon jacksoni is temperate forest. It can be found sheltering under rocks and logs on dry hillsides during the late winter and early spring. Some members of the species live in caves, even during parts of the year where they are not observed on the surface. Plethodon jacksoni is most frequently observed in Montgomery County, Virginia, though it has also been reported from Giles, Craig, and possibly Pittsylvania counties. The "southern wehrlei" salamander population, which may be closely related or within P. jacksoni, occurs as far south as northwestern North Carolina (Stokes and Alleghany counties).

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