Veiled Chameleons are the most commonly bred and available species of chameleons, and are now being bred in captivity. They are hardy reptiles which require tall cages for perching, supplemental heat and UV light, a varied insect diet, and a dripping water source.

Natural Environment

It is important to understand the natural environment from which a reptile comes, since that environment needs to be duplicated as much as possible when planning its housing and maintenance. The natural range of the Veiled Chameleon is western Yemen and southern Saudi Arabia, where temperatures vary between 68-110°F and it is relatively humid, though there may not be a large amount of rainfall. These chameleons, which are insectivores, tend to concentrate where there is water, e.g.; pools of water left from the runoff of nearby mountains, and subsequently, vegetation. Near vegetation is where the most insects are found — the mainstay of their diet. They obtain most of their water by licking dew from leaves and branches, and are stimulated to drink by the movement of the water. In the morning, they are usually found basking, warming themselves after a cool evening. Veiled Chameleons spend most of their time in trees, and bushes, and are highly adapted for climbing.

Physical Characteristics

Chameleons have a prehensile tail, which aids them in balance when climbing. Their feet are also adapted for clinging to branches, and are quite strong. They have rotating eyes, which act independently of each other: one can focus up and to the right, as the other looks down and to the left. Their tongues are sticky at the end and can be extended out to capture prey.

Subspecies differences: There are two subspecies of Veiled Chameleons, C. calyptratus calyptratus and C. calyptratus calcarifer. The main difference between the two is the casque, which is a fleshly fin-shaped protruberance on the top of the head. The casque of C. c. calyptratus is generally higher than that of C. c. calcarifer.

Sexual differences: In males, the casque is generally more pointed. Mature males are 18-24 inches long, whereas females are usually about 12 inches. The gular spines (spines on the back) of the male are generally longer. The male also has spurs on the back of his hind feet, and the female does not. Although both sexes can change color, the males tend to be brighter.

Color: Chameleons are best known for their ability to change color. The color of a chameleon may vary by health status, perception of a threat or incursion into its territory, presence of a mate, status of its shedding, age, sex, season, temperature, light, and other environmental factors. Color changes may be rapid, as when reacting to a threat, or gradual.

Life expectancy: When housed and fed properly, a male chameleon generally lives 7-10 yrs; breeding females, 4-6 years.

Temperament

Chameleons are solitary animals and very sensitive to stress. They are very territorial and aggressive towards other Veiled Chameleons. Members of this species should be kept individually in separate housing. The presence of another chameleon in the same cage or within sight can be very stressful and makes the chameleon more prone to illness. Even the sight of its reflection in glass can cause extreme territorial behavior, and cause the chameleon to stop eating.