| 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.
|
