Description:
Scientific name: Furcifer lateralis
Life span: 2-3 years
the white-lined chameleon, often known as the carpet chameleon (Furcifer lateralis). Males are primarily green, but females have larger bodies, a greater variety of colors, including white, yellow, and orange bands. The lips and throats of both sexes are striped. They have the ability to alter their color depending on their mood and the surrounding environment.
Native Region/Habitat
This only exists in Madagascar. Central Madagascar is where you may mostly find Furcifer lateralis. The species is present throughout all of Madagascar, with the exception of the northern region. It is rated as Least Concern and can be found between 120 and 1,925 meters (394 and 6,316 feet) above sea level. It is believed to cover an area of 467,634 square kilometers (180,554 sq mi) (LC).
Behavior:
As carpet chameleons are shy and reserved, they won’t linger around on your shoulder. Once they are outside of their natural environment, they might become stressed out very fast, which can have a variety of negative effects on their general health. These animals love to sit on a branch or log and enjoy the enclosure’s heat.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Enclosure:
The usual recommended enclosure size is 18x18x36; however, you are free to expand the living area even further. A larger vivarium will allow you to design an enclosure that is as similar to their natural habitat as possible because your carpet chameleon will like having many items to climb on and hiding spots.
Temperature:
The needs of carpet chameleons in terms of lighting and heating are extremely specialized. Like with all reptiles, carpet chameleons cannot adjust their body temperature on their own, therefore they require a warm spot to congregate as well as a cool place to unwind.
A heat gradient is what is needed for the health of your chameleon. The necessary temperatures are listed below:
- The enclosure’s ambient temperature must stay between 76°F and 82°F.
- Maintain a warm 85° to 88°F in their region of rest.
- Nighttime lows range from 64 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity:
You should keep the humidity inside your chameleon enclosure between 50 and 60 percent. You must hand mist the cage two to three times each day to keep it at this humidity level.
Feeding:
Provide your chameleon with a variety of foods, including fruit flies, house flies, crickets, and bean beetles. In addition, you can feed them various roach species, super worms, and mealworms. The ideal feeding schedule for your chameleon is six to seven days a week, but always dust the prey with calcium and vitamin powders prior to feeding time.
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