History and origin
The Lanza's Alpine salamander was first described by Nascetti, Andreone, Capula & Bullini in 1988, the scientific name of this species is Salamandra lanzai. Salamandra is from Greek and means 'salamander', the common name for this kind of animal in Greek. Lanzai because this species was dedicated to Mr Lanza, Italian herpetologist.

Characteristics
They are characterised by their uniform black body, the Alpine Salamander (Salamandra atra) is also black, an identification can be done by geographical range but also by counting the number of small openings on each of the flank warts, this species has more then one opening.

Description
=Size=
- Eggs: This species doesn't lay eggs.
- Larva: This species doesn't have a larva form.
- Juveniles: The young measure between 40 to 50 mm long when born.
- Adults: They measure between 115 to 160 mm long.
=Morphology=
- Eggs: This species doesn't lay eggs.
- Larva: This species doesn't have a larva form.
- Adults: They are quite slim, they have a flattened head which is as long as large. The head seems separated from the body due to a slimmer neck region. Their skin is smooth, they have small yet prominent paratoid glands. They do not have any crests. Along their flanks they have a series of ripely warts and on these warts they have more then one small opening (from which they can secrete a defensive venom). They lack any webbing. Their pupils are round.
=Patterns & colours=
- Eggs: This species doesn't lay eggs.
- Larva: This species doesn't have a larva form.
- Adult: They are completely black, dark gray on the underside. They have dark eyes.

Geographical range
They are only found in a small area of the Alps, they have a French and an Italian distribution.

Subspecies
None described.

Sexual differences
Males have a much larger swollen cloacae, their front legs are longer. Males are usually more robust then females. The males paratoid glands are smaller and males have shorter fingers.

Seasonal variations
Insignificant research has been done in this domain.

Diet
They feed on insects, spiders, slugs... any other bite sized vertebrate.

Defensive habits
Their main defensive act is to secrete trough the small openings on their body a venomous liquid substance, strong, this venom can cause irritations if in contact with your eyes. Otherwise, when threatened they will raise their body and dip their head downwards.

Reproduction
Mating happens on land at any point in the year (sometimes may times), however this is depending on altitude and climate of any given year. They may give birth as long as 3 to 4 years after the successful mating act, usually gives birth to at least 2 young (max. 6), these young are completely formed.

Sexual maturity, life span
The average life span for Salamandra lanzai is about 20 years, they reach their sexual maturity in between 3 to 8 years depending of the altitude, being later in higher areas.

Habits
Their spree of activity is usually in mid-summer (cooler at these altitudes). They spend much time in their hide out which are situated at least 30 cm underground, they always return to the same refuge after every excursion. Depending on climate they may only have up to 10 to 20 days activities per year. They exit their refuges mainly in the evenings, otherwise are tempted out by rain or cloudy conditions by day. To observe this species the ideal temperature is over 0 C and at least 80% humidity.

Habitat
They are found between 1450 and 2100 m in altitude in Italy and from 1800 to 2300 m in altitude in France. They live in and around the edges of sub-alpine prairies, at the edges of fresh humid woods and forests and close to mountainous streams. They are also at home in stable and evolutionary habitat (unstable habitat - frequent avalanche areas...).

Predators
Only birds and vipers may be a threat given the altitude restrictions of this species.