Reptoria

Armenian rock lizard (Darevskia armeniaca)

Armenian rock lizard (Darevskia armeniaca), typical appearance of the species

Lizards · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge

Key facts and care guidance for Armenian rock lizard (Darevskia armeniaca) (origin: Lesser Caucasus: northern and northwest Armenia, southern Georgia, western Azerbaijan, northeast and northwest Turkey; introduced populations in Ukraine). Adult size around 18–20 cm total length (snout–vent length about 6–7 cm, tail roughly twice as long). Life expectancy 5–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Armenian rock lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×60 cm for a group.

Armenian rock lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 18–25 °C ambient temperature, basking spot Basking spot 38–45 °C, at night 12–18 °C.

Armenian rock lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours).

Armenian rock lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–10 years.

Armenian rock lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).

Climate

Daytime temperature
18–25 °C ambient temperature
Night temperature
12–18 °C
Basking spot
Basking spot 38–45 °C
Humidity
40–60 %
UVB
Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours)

Enclosure

Minimum size
100×50×60 cm for a group
Substrate
A sand-loam mix with stone slabs, a dry-stone wall and a few plants

Feeding

Food
Crickets, house crickets, roaches, wax moths and the occasional fruit, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
Feeding interval
adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size
18–20 cm total length (snout–vent length about 6–7 cm, tail roughly twice as long)
Life expectancy
5–10 years
Origin
Lesser Caucasus: northern and northwest Armenia, southern Georgia, western Azerbaijan, northeast and northwest Turkey; introduced populations in Ukraine
Protection status
Bern Convention Appendix II — proof of origin required
Brumation
A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 5–10 °C — without it there is no breeding and a markedly shorter life
Cohabitation
All-female groups, because the species consists only of females — males practically do not exist in this species, only as very rare exceptions. Three to five animals get along well in a sufficiently large enclosure, and territorial fights over females do not occur. Each animal still needs its own basking and hiding spot, and feed separately if sizes differ. Because the females reproduce without a partner, a group grows on its own — collect the eggs if no offspring are wanted.

Notes

An all-female species: reproduction runs without males. For keeping, that means a group of females will multiply without conflict.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Armenian rock lizard (Darevskia armeniaca) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×60 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix with stone slabs, a dry-stone wall and a few plants), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia DE, Wikipedia EN, reptile-database.reptarium.cz, biozoojournals.ro, eu_annex.txt (lokal)

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).