These chameleons do require a lot of attention. It’s not uncommon for these reptiles to be abandoned because owners aren’t prepared for the actual work that goes into keeping them healthy.Ībandonment is so common that invasive wild populations have started to pop up in Hawaii and Florida. While veiled chameleon care is often considered to be beginner-friendly, that doesn’t mean it’s completely hands-off. Thus, the reptiles aren’t as big as they sound when they’re housed in a well-designed habitat. These creatures sound massive when you’re only looking at their size on paper, but their tail is actually curled most of the time.Ĭhameleons use the tail as a stabilizer, often wrapping it around tree branches. It’s important to note that most of that length actually comes from the tail. That makes this species one of the largest chameleon breeds out there! The average veiled chameleon size is around 18-24 inches for males and 12-18 inches for females. Coloration may be a bit brighter on males as well compared to the females. The casque on their head is a bit bigger, too. Males and females look very similar at first glance. The toes help to wrap around tree branches for mobility. On their feet, you’ll notice that the chameleons have curved toes. Each eye can also move independently, making it easy for the reptile to be wary of their surroundings. They’re conical in shape and can turn almost 180 degrees. The eyes of a veiled chameleon look almost like a turret. They can be twice as long as their overall length. The chameleons have very long tongues, too. Called the casque, this unique shape helps to divert dripping water into their mouths.
On the head, you’ll notice that the reptiles have a large horn-like hump. Vibrant jewel tones are usually an indicator that your chameleon is getting all the nutrition they need.Īside from their bright colors, veiled chameleons have a couple of other quirky physical traits. One cool thing about coloration is that you can use it to gauge your reptile’s health as well. Some will even change colors when they breed to indicate that they are not receptive! The reptiles are known to flash bright colors in the presence of a potential threat. This can also be used to communicate with other creatures. It can be used to camouflage themselves against natural backdrops whenever they want to hide. The most defining trait of a veiled chameleon is its ability to change colors on a whim. Of course, that color can change dramatically. Usually, the body is covered in bands of yellow, green, and brown. These chameleons are absolute stunners, which is why they are so popular among reptile lovers. If you want your reptiles to live as long as possible, you’ll have to be vigilant about providing them with the best care that you can. These reptiles are susceptible to many ailments and respond poorly to substandard environments. This process takes a toll on the body over time, leading to a dip in life expectancy.Ĭare Tip: For both males and females, a long life expectancy is not guaranteed. Veiled chameleons are a lot like chickens in that they will produce clutches of eggs even if they are not bred. This difference in lifespan is thought to be a byproduct of the female reproductive cycle. Meanwhile, females usually only make it four to six years. Male specimen have been known to live between six and eight years with proper care. Males typically have a longer lifespan than females. The average lifespan of a healthy veiled chameleons is usually at least five years. They’re beautiful creatures that certainly make an interesting addition to your pet collection. Veiled chameleons are considered to be one of the hardiest chameleon species available. Thankfully, many are captive-bred these days. For a while, the only way to get these reptiles was to purchase wild-caught specimens. They are found in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Originally, the veiled chameleon came from the Middle East.
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