The Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus), is a large
species of
chameleon found in the
mountain regions of
Yemen and
Saudi Arabia. It is also sometimes referred to as the Yemen Chameleon.The
male veiled chameleon has a green base color and, depending on mood, this green will range from a bright
lime green to a dark
olive drab. The green base color is marked with stripes and spots of yellow, brown, and blue. Non breeding
females and juvenile chameleons are generally a uniform green color with some white markings. Breeding and gravid females are a very dark green with blue and yellow spots. The prominence of these markings is dependent on several factors including health, mood, and temperature of the lizard.
See more at Wikipedia.org...
Chamaeleo Calyptratus
Traits
Veiled chameleons are some of the most beautiful chameleons in the world. The males are well known for developing a large "casque" on their heads as adults. Females develop a casque, but they are not quite the "head dress" that the males attain. Chameleons are best known for their ability to change color. This variable allows them to disappear into their environment and communicate with other chameleons. Chameleons are pets that are best viewed and not handled. Most chameleons are very territorial; it is best kept singularly. All chameleons are similar in that they hunt with the use of a specialized eyes and tongue. The chameleon's eyes rotate independently of each other to allow them to focus intently upon their prey. Once they prey is in view (and within range) their sticky tongue has the ability to shoot out and select prey up to 1 1/2 body lengths away. Many chameleons will accept prey right out of their keeper's hand!
Adult length up is to 18".
Have the new terrarium completely set up before bringing your new friend home. Additionally, make sure your new family member is allowed enough time to adjust to its new home before any attempt to handle it.
Feeding
Veiled chameleons are primarily insectivores (diet consists mainly of insects). Items such as crickets, superworms, waxworms, butterworms, and small mealworms all make great food items. Something to remember when feeding your pet is the gut-loading of the insects. Insects are only nutritious as what they eat, so a diet of leafy vegetables (especially kale), squash, and sweet potatoes should be fed at least 24 hours before being fed to the chameleon. For calcium and mineral supplementation, the crickets should be dusted lightly once weekly with a mineral/calcium powder. Chameleons naturally drink off of leaves after it has rained. Misting the habitat each day will simulate natural rains and the chameleons will lap water from the leaves. You can also set up a drip system on top of the habitat that allows a single drip of water to fall every couple seconds. The drip system works best when the water falls onto a leaf allowing the chameleon to drink at their leisure.
More...
Free Download Now!
