Description:
Scientific name: Chamaeleo calyptratus
Life span: 4-8 years
Its body is thicker. A casque on the head is present on both sexes, and it gets bigger as the chameleon ages, growing to a maximum size of around 5 cm (2.0 in) in the largest adults. The young are born pastel green in hue and change as they grow into stripes and other patterns. Female adults have white, orange, yellow, or tan mottling on their green bodies. Male adults have more vivid colors, more distinct yellow or blue bands, and some mottling.
Native Region/Habitat
An arboreal species is the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). It is indigenous to the southwestern Arabian Peninsula, where the semiarid and tropical climate prevails. It is a species that is challenging to care for in captivity since it is particularly susceptible to stress.
In its natural habitat, this chameleon can be found in plateaus, mountains, and valleys, among other habitat types.
Behavior:
Most of the time, veiled chameleons are passive animals with little activity. They like to move slowly and spend their days lounging in the sun when they aren’t feeding. The reptile may be seen scaling the walls of the container to control its body temperature.
Unexpectedly, veiled chameleons have a tendency to act aggressively. Groups of adult chameleons shouldn’t be kept together. When they dwell alone, they thrive. With men, this is especially true. Men’s veiled chameleons have been known to become anxious just by seeing another man! It’s crucial to keep reflections out of their habitat because of this.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
To feel safe and secure, these lizards require a sizable tank with lots of plants and decorations.
- 100+ gallon tank that is 5–6 feet off the ground.
- Substrate options include newspaper, paper towels, coconut fibre, and orchid bark.
- Decor: There are numerous plants, logs, and climbing branches.
- Ambient room lighting, at least 12 hours of total darkness
- Temperature range: 72–80 °F, including an 85 °F basking area.
- 50–75% humidity
Diet
Ambush hunters, chameleons have a special kind of hunting that is exclusively found in their family. With their superb vision, they first identify insects and other invertebrates. When a target is in view, they use their mottled coloring and distinctive swaying gait to blend in with the trees as they approach and prepare to attack. In order to capture the prey and bring it into their mouths, they finally extend their lengthy, sticky tongue.
Hunting techniques used by veiled chameleons are intriguing to observe. One of the most intriguing aspects of owning this pet is the feeding and hunting. Wild veiled chameleons are mostly insectivores, which means they consume flies, cockroaches, moths, beetles, and locusts. Several people have been observed munching on leaves and flowers to consume more water. Adults require 5–6 huge insects every two days, whereas pets younger than a year old require as many little insects as they can consume in 15 minutes each day.
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