It has been described as a diurnal, rock-dwelling species inhabiting scree and rocky outcrops at altitudes from 900 to 1600 m.[3] It is endemic to the Limpopo Province in the north of South Africa.

[1][2] It is an active forager on the southern slopes of the Soutpansberg hills.

The species name “rupicola” means rock-inhabiting as this lizard is quite strictly saxicolous when compared to other species in the area like Trachylepis varia.

The first part of the genus name "Vhembe-" refers to the Vhembe region of Limpopo Province where the species is endemic.

This lizard from family Lacertidae article is a stub.