Dahl's rock lizard (Darevskia dahli)
Lizards · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Dahl's rock lizard (Darevskia dahli) (origin: Armenia and Georgia). Adult size around 16–20 cm. Life expectancy 5–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Dahl's rock lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×60 cm for a group.
Dahl's rock lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot 38–45 °C, at night 12–18 °C.
Dahl's rock lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours).
Dahl's rock lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–10 years.
Dahl's 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
- Armenia and Georgia
- 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
- Keep as a group of several females - there are no males at all in this purely parthenogenetic species. According to Wikipedia, parthenogenetic Darevskia species tolerate higher densities and show less aggression than bisexual relatives, so genuine group housing works well.
Notes
Likewise parthenogenetic, so females only.
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Related species
- Armenian rock lizard (Darevskia armeniaca) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini) – Intermediate
- White-bellied rock lizard (Darevskia unisexualis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia saxicola) – 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 Dahl's rock lizard (Darevskia dahli) 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=dahli
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).