Portschinsky's rock lizard (Darevskia portschinskii)
Lizards · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Portschinsky's rock lizard (Darevskia portschinskii) (origin: Georgia and Armenia). Adult size around 17–21 cm. Life expectancy 5–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Portschinsky's rock lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×60 cm for a group.
Portschinsky's rock lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot 38–45 °C, at night 12–18 °C.
Portschinsky's rock lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours).
Portschinsky's rock lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–10 years.
Portschinsky'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
- 17–21 cm
- Life expectancy
- 5–10 years
- Origin
- Georgia and Armenia
- 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.
Notes
A rock dweller, often on dry stone walls.
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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 saxicola) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia caucasica) – Intermediate
- Caucasian rock lizard (Darevskia rudis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Radde's rock lizard (Darevskia raddei) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep Portschinsky's rock lizard (Darevskia portschinskii) 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=portschinskii
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).