Scientific name
Chamaeleo calyptratus
The casque develops as the animal grows. Males have a spur behind each hind foot [2].
Origin
Yemen and southwestern Saudi Arabia [2].
- Arboreal
- Solitary
- Insectivorous
At a glance
| ADULT SIZE | 25–61 cm Range by sex, including the tail [2]. |
|---|---|
| LIFESPAN | 5–8 years Females then males; living context not specified by ADW [2]. |
| LIFESTYLE | Arboreal Trees and shrubs [2]. |
Adult size
Males: 43–61 cm; females: 25–36 cm, including the tail, according to ADW [2].
Lifespan
ADW reports around 5 years for females, up to 8 for males, without specifying the environment [2].
Lifestyle
In trees and shrubs [2].
Housing
ELEVATED ROUTES
61 × 61 × 91 cm — Veterinary minimum, with branches and foliage (L × W × H) [1].
Chicago Exotics suggests at least 61 × 61 × 91 cm (L × W × H): branches, foliage and ventilation [1].
Care parameters
WARM SPOT · DAY
32–35 °C — Air/surface not distinguished by the source [1].
AMBIENT AIR · DAY
≈ 24–29 °C — [1] Maintain shaded retreats.
Humidity
30–50 % by day — At night: 75–90 %, with droplets on foliage [1].
Warm spot · day
32–35 °C [1] Heating area; the source does not distinguish air from surface.
Ambient air · day
≈ 24–29 °C [1] Maintain shaded retreats.
Humidity
30–50 % by day 75–90 % at night according to Chicago Exotics; droplets available on leaves [1].
Feeding
AN APPROPRIATE DIET
Varied insects, fed before being offered; a few leaves as a supplement [1].
Feeding
Offer varied insects fed before being offered. Leaves can supplement this mainly insectivorous diet [1].
Behaviour and precautions
Avoid constant visual contact between individuals. Never pull toes or the tail away from a support [1].
Daily monitoring
Record insects eaten, observations of drinking and temperatures at perch level. Photograph the enclosure after a lamp change; a ground-level measurement does not describe the casque’s exposure.
Checklist
- Test every accessible perch.
- Provide a visual screen.
- Check drainage after spraying.
Observations to record
- Meals
- Weight
- Sheds
- Temperature
- Humidity
The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.
Related guides
Original guides in French
Sources
Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital — Veiled Chameleon Care
Source accessed - University of Michigan, Animal Diversity Web — Chamaeleo calyptratus
Source accessed