Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia saxicola)
Lizards · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia saxicola) (origin: The north-western Caucasus). Adult size around 16–20 cm. Life expectancy 5–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Caucasian rock lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×60 cm for a group.
Caucasian rock lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot 38–45 °C, at night 12–18 °C.
Caucasian rock lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours).
Caucasian rock lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–10 years.
Caucasian rock lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–30 °C
- 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
- 16–20 cm
- Life expectancy
- 5–10 years
- Origin
- The north-western Caucasus
- 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
- A harem (one male with 2-3 females) is natural for this genus, which lives in colonies, and works well in a large, structured enclosure with sight barriers - but never two males together. If the animal comes from a purely female population, keep an all-female group instead (no males exist there).
Notes
A montane forest species; it needs more humid conditions.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Armenian rock lizard (Darevskia armeniaca) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini) – Intermediate
- Dahl's rock lizard (Darevskia dahli) – Beginner with some knowledge
- White-bellied rock lizard (Darevskia unisexualis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia caucasica) – Intermediate
- Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia rudis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Portschinsky's rock lizard (Darevskia portschinskii) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Radde's rock lizard (Darevskia raddei) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia saxicola) 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darevskia, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Darevskia&species=saxicola
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).