Blacksburg Salamander

Range

Plethodon jacksoni, also known as the Blacksburg salamander, is endemic to the Southeastern United States, where it is restricted to the Appalachian Mountains in southwestern Virginia and northwestern North Carolina. It inhabits moist forests and rocky slopes at elevations ranging from 600 to 1200 meters.

Identification

Plethodon jacksoni has a slender body that ranges from 69 to 135 mm in total length, with males being slightly larger than females. It has a blunt snout, prominent eyes, and 4 vomerine teeth and 6 - 7 parasphenoid teeth in two separate patches. Males have distinctive mental glands and swellings below the nostrils and at the base of the tail. The most characteristic feature of P. jacksoni is the presence of red spots on its back, which are rare or absent in P. wehrlei and P. dixi. The belly also has a different pattern of light and dark areas than the other two species.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians