{"id":4502,"date":"2014-10-08T05:38:56","date_gmt":"2014-10-08T05:38:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lafeber.com\/staging\/vet\/?p=4502"},"modified":"2019-05-11T18:42:36","modified_gmt":"2019-05-11T23:42:36","slug":"basic-information-for-veiled-chameleon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/basic-information-for-veiled-chameleon\/","title":{"rendered":"Basic Information Sheet: Veiled Chameleon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus<\/em>)<\/h1>\n
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Photo credit: Mrs. Logic via Flickr Creative Commons<\/small><\/p><\/div>\n

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Natural history<\/h2>\n

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The veiled chameleon is indigenous to Yemen, in the southwestern region of the Saudi Arabian peninsula. This species is found in extreme environments ranging from arid desert to seasonal “wadis” or streams that form in the desert after rain. Pets may be captive bred or wild caught and imported.
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Taxonomy<\/h2>\n

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\nClass<\/strong>: Reptilia<\/em><\/p>\n

Order<\/strong>: Squamata<\/em><\/p>\n

Family<\/strong>: Chamaeleonidae<\/em><\/p>\n

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Color and Size<\/h2>\n

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\nMales are brightly colored, ranging from blue-green to green or yellow in appearance.<\/p>\n

Males are 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) long, while female “veileds” typically measure up to 14 in (35 cm) long.
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Diet<\/h2>\n

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\nVeiled chameleons are typically fed a variety of gut-loaded insects such as crickets, mealworms, superworms, waxworms, grasshoppers, silkworms, and Madagascar roaches of appropriate size. Veiled chameleons also enjoy blossoms and leaves such as hibiscus, dandelions, ficus, romaine, and escarole.<\/p>\n

Dust the non-breeding adult’s diet with a calcium carbonate or calcium gluconate supplement once weekly. Calcium supplements should be devoid or low in phosphorus with a minimum Ca:P ratio of 2:1. Avoid products containing Vitamin D as this can lead to toxicity. A general vitamin\/mineral supplement may also be offered once weekly.
\nFor more information, download the client handout: Feeding Insect Eating Reptiles<\/a>.
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Husbandry<\/h2>\n

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Temperature<\/td>\nMaintain a temperature gradient of 70-95\u00b0F (20-35\u00b0C) using an overhead radiant heat source. Provide a 10-15\u00b0F (5-8\u00b0C) drop in temperature at night.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Humidity\/water<\/td>\nMaintain 40-60% relative humidity. Offer water either by misting the plants every 4-8 hours or with an automatic watering system.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cage size and design<\/td>\nMinimum cage size is 2 x 2 x 3 feet (0.6 x 0.6 x 0.9 m) but much larger is recommended. Plastic-coated wire-welded mesh enclosures serve well.\u00a0 House adults in a large, vertical wire enclosure.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cage furniture\/supplies<\/td>\nProvide multiple branches or twigs for climbing, potted plants (e.g. Ficus benjamina<\/em> or hibiscus) to provide visual security, and a full-spectrum light source for normal absorption of dietary calcium.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Social structure<\/td>\nA mixed pair or two females can usually coexist well in a large cage with visual barriers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Lifespan<\/h2>\n

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\nFemales typically live 3-5 years; the average male lifespan is 4-6 years. may live up to 6-7 years.
\nSexual maturity is reached between 4-8 months.
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Anatomy\/ physiology<\/h2>\n

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Dermatologic:Some chameleon species, including the Veiled, have “chromatophores” or specialized cells in the skin that allow color change.<\/p>\n

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Musculoskeletal:Chameleons are didactyl: five toes are fused into groups of two laterally and three medially giving the foot a mitten-like appearance.Gastrointestinal:<\/p>\n