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Chamaeleo chamaeleon

A.K.A.

Common Chameleon; Mediterranean Chameleon

 

DESCRIPTION COLORATION

Coloration:
The common chameleon is well known by most people for it's ability to change color. These color changes are the result of changes in the size of the chameleon's color cells. Coloration will change for reasons of camouflage, health, and communication. Color ranges: gray, green, brown.
Features:
Eyes that can focus and move separate from one another. Eyes are relatively large. Eyelids are fused with small pupil openings; Exceptionally long tongue; Thin body; Thin head. The adults' head has a bony pyramid shaped helmet; Feet have evolved into tree branch grasping implements. On each foot, the toes are divided into two groups for better holding ability; Low dorsal crest; Prehensile tail that is as long as it's head and body.

 

SIZE

Head and body 8 to 12 inches in combined length.

 

HOME

Southern coast of the Mediterranean, the southern coast of Spain, Crete, and southwestern Asia.

 

HABITAT

Somewhat dry thickets and bushy grasslands.

 

LIFESTYLE

Arboreal and terrestrial; Solitary except for breeding; Diurnal.

 

DEFENSES

Uses it's color changing techniques to hide from predators.

 

FOOD

Insects, spiders

 

HUNTING TECHNIQUES

 

Makes use of it's ability to change color to blend into it's environment and sneak up on it's prey. It can remain virtually motionless and camouflaged in the trees while searching for it's prey with it's swiveling eyes. This lizard can direct it's eyes to look in two separate directions at once. After spotting the prey, the chameleon will grab the unlucky spider or insect with it's long sticky tongue. The chameleon's tongue is as long as its body.

 

BREEDING

Breeding takes place during late summer. Male chameleons are very terrestrial during the breeding season. They attempt to frighten other males out of their territories by inflating themselves with air. The female will lay and bury her eggs at the base of a tree. 20 to 30 eggs are in a clutch. Baby chameleons hatch during the following spring. The baby chameleons break out of their eggs by using an egg tooth.

 

IN CAPTIVITY

 

Chameleons are delicate reptiles. For this reason, these animals are only suggested for more experienced herpetologists

 

INTERESTING FACTS

Chamaeleo chamaeleon is the only chameleon that is not exclusively arboreal.


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