Plethodon jacksoni Newman, 1954

Taxonomic Background

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.

General Body Structure

This species has a slender build, a rounded head, large eyes, and a short snout.

Male Size

Males reach a maximum total length of 13.5 cm (5.3 in), with an average length of 11.6 cm (4.6 in).

Female Size

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).

Congeneric Size Comparison

In general size comparison, P. jacksoni is larger than P. dixi and smaller than P. wehrlei.

Sexual Dimorphism

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.

Base Body Coloration

The species' background body color is dark bluish gray, with the back forming the darkest area of the body.

Underside Coloration

The throat and belly are lighter in color, but there is no consistent pattern of light color distribution on the underside across individual specimens.

Limb and Side Markings

Distinctive white blotches typically appear on the sides and limbs, and sometimes extend onto the belly.

Dorsal Mottling

Silvery mottling and small white flecks may be present on the back and tail.

Dorsal Spot Variation

A small number of individuals, including the species' holotype specimen, have sparse but distinct reddish-orange spots on the back.

Habitat Type

The natural habitat of Plethodon jacksoni is temperate forest.

Surface Shelter Sites

In late winter and early spring, individuals can be found sheltering under rocks and logs on dry hillsides.

Cave Dwelling Behavior

Some members of the species live inside caves, even during parts of the year when they cannot be observed on the surface.

Virginia Distribution

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.

Southern Range Extension

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.