Reptoria

Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia caucasica)

Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia caucasica), typical appearance of the species

Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia caucasica) (origin: The Greater Caucasus (Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan), mountains at 1,000–3,200 m). Adult size around up to approx. 18 cm total length (SVL up to ~6.4 cm, the tail twice as long). Life expectancy approx. 5–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

80×40×60 cm for one animal; rock structures matter, larger for a pair.

Caucasian rock lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot 30–35 °C, at night 12–16 °C.

Caucasian rock lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4 at the basking spot).

Caucasian rock lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 5–8 years.

Caucasian rock lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
20–26 °C
Night temperature
12–16 °C
Basking spot
30–35 °C
Humidity
60–70 %
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4 at the basking spot)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×40×60 cm for one animal; rock structures matter, larger for a pair
Substrate
A loam and sand mix with stone slabs, rock crevices and scree

Feeding

Food
Small insects: small house crickets or crickets, flies, wax moth larvae, spiders, isopods
Feeding interval
adults 2–3×/week, juveniles (almost) daily

Key facts

Adult size
up to approx. 18 cm total length (SVL up to ~6.4 cm, the tail twice as long)
Life expectancy
approx. 5–8 years
Origin
The Greater Caucasus (Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan), mountains at 1,000–3,200 m
Protection status
No CITES; a non-European species – proof of origin or captive breeding is recommended for legal ownership. Check regional rules before buying.
Brumation
Yes: a winter rest of 3–5 months at about 5–8 °C (a montane species with a pronounced cold season)
Cohabitation
Keeping it singly is unproblematic per the source data; one male with 1-2 females in a large, strongly structured enclosure with sight barriers is also natural, since the genus lives socially in colonies per Wikipedia - but never two males together.

Notes

A cool montane rock species that tolerates no tropical heat – overheating is a common keeping mistake; a cold phase in winter is essential. A bisexual species (not parthenogenetic). Detailed husbandry literature is sparse – the numbers are derived from field and genus analogy (medium confidence).

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia caucasica) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×60 cm for one animal; rock structures matter, larger for a pair), substrate (A loam and sand mix with stone slabs, rock crevices and scree), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darevskia, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Darevskia&species=caucasica

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).