Might be D. lycos (depending on what taxonomy is used) formerly part of D. fuscus lineage C, or, the darker belly might indicate D. bairdi, formerly D. fuscus lineage D? However, from personal observation, areas that Pyron and Beamer indicate have D. lycos (which "should" have whitish belly with dark speckling) have some Desmos that have darker bellies like this - not sure if those represent lycos or bairdi. This one seemed somewhat robust and with a thick, flattened tail - maybe more like lycos. So, maybe conflicting characteristics.
Northern Dusky Salamander Desmognathus fuscus fuscus near Charlotte Court House, VA
Northern Dusky Salamander Desmognathus fuscus near Charlotte Court House, VA
Cypress swamp in Butler Creek DS, found under flipped decaying log with Eurycea cirrigera. Habitat and laterally flattened tail identify this individual as D. auriculatus. Did not get belly pics, but I can ask my colleague if he has any.
Either of the Dusky Salamanders is apparently very unusual in the Sandhills. IDed as Southern based on the very small handful of other local records. We found two individuals, one adult and one larva.