Veiled Chameleon

Veiled Chameleon

Cone-head chameleon, Yemen chameleon

Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Suborder
Genus
SPECIES
Chamaeleo calyptratus
Population size
Unknown
Life Span
5-8 years
Weight
90-200
3.2-7.1
goz
g oz 
Length
35-61
13.8-24
cminch
cm inch 

The Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is a species of chameleon found only in the Arabian Peninsula. They are known for their variable color changes due to a variety of factors, including to show aggression, social status, reproduction, and stress. Veiled chameleons are named for the triangular protrusion on their heads, which is known as a casque.

Di

Diurnal

In

Insectivores

Ca

Carnivore

Ar

Arboreal

Pr

Precocial

Am

Ambush predator

Ov

Oviparous

Te

Territorial

So

Solitary

No

Not a migrant

V

starts with

Appearance

Newly hatched Veiled chameleons are born pastel green in color and develop stripes and different colors as they mature. Adult females are green with white, orange, yellow, or tan mottling. Adult males are brighter with more defined bands of yellow or blue and some mottling. Coloration can be affected by several factors, including social status. In experimental conditions, young Veiled chameleons reared in isolation developed to be darker and duller in color compared to those raised with other individuals. Females change color over the course of their reproductive cycles. Chameleons also tend to change to a much darker color when stressed. Both the males and females have a casque on the head which grows larger as they mature, reaching about 5 cm (2 in) in the largest adults.

Video

Distribution

Geography

Continents
Subcontinents
Introduced Countries
Biogeographical realms

Veiled chameleons are found in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. They live in several habitat types in their native range, including plateaus, mountains, trees and bushes, and valleys. They prefer warmer temperatures and require areas with vegetation.

Veiled Chameleon habitat map

Climate zones

Veiled Chameleon habitat map

Habits and Lifestyle

Veiled chameleons are arboreal, living in trees and other large plants. When moving along branches they sway from side to side to look like a leaf. When these chameleons hunt their prey, they freeze and wait for prey to approach them. The eyes of chameleons can rotate 180 degrees and move independently of each other. This means that they can look in any direction without moving their head. Veiled chameleons are shy and lead a solitary life. Males are very territorial and are very aggressive with each other. They constantly patrol and defend their territories. Veiled chameleons use their coloration to establish dominance and communicate with one another. Brighter-colored individuals are more dominant than duller-colored chameleons. When feeling threatened Veiled chameleons coil themselves in a tight fetal position, and become darker in color. Only when they feel safe, chameleons will uncoil themselves and come back to their normal state again. These reptiles are not very vocal, however, if to touch them quiet grunting or purring can be felt. They make this sound when they feel threatened. They may also hiss to warn predators to stay away from them.

Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

Veiled chameleons are carnivorous (insectivorous) creatures. They favor insects, and will also eat plant matter, especially as a source of water.

Mating Habits

INCUBATION PERIOD
150-190 days
INDEPENDENT AGE
at birth
BABY NAME
hatchling
web.animal_clutch_size
85 eggs

Veiled chameleons breed more than once a year. Males display for females during courtship, performing behaviors such as "head rolls" and "chin rubs" and females change color when they are ready to breed. Females lay up to three clutches each year and can delay the implantation of the eggs. After a month after mating the females will lay large clutches of up to 85 eggs and bury them in the sand. The eggs are white in color with a tough skin. Incubation time depends on temperature and it may last 150-190 days. Once the eggs hatch, the young are completely independent. They become reproductively mature at around four to five months of age.

Population

Population threats

There are no major threats to Veiled chameleons at present. They are the most common chameleons in the pet trade and exports from Arabia have declined in recent years and these animals are mostly bred in captivity. However, they are still collected from the wild and sold as souvenirs to tourists. These reptiles also suffer locally from road kills.

Population number

According to IUCN, the Veiled chameleon is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.

Coloring Pages

References

1. Veiled Chameleon on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veiled_chameleon
2. Veiled Chameleon on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/176306/1437838

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