[4] A relatively long independent evolutionary history and distinct identity of both morphological and genetic features[4] led to the species resurrection in 2013 under the synonymous scientific name Anguis cinerea.

Differences in log-linear analysis of both lizard's colouration were negligible, the same goes for insufficient variation in the external ear opening presence.

[4] The species' presence has also been confirmed on the Mediterranean island Ile Sainte-Marguerite, with animals being genetically related to mainland slow worms of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

[8] The northern populations' common habitats include various forest-steppe, steppe and ruderal areas, with some animals inhabiting urban surfaces.

Slow worms of central and southern regions of Italy usually inhabit less diverse collection of habitats; borders of oak and beech forests are the most common, followed by sand dunes of Mediterranean characteristic maquis shrubland.