Chameleons · Genus: Chamaeleo
Yemen Chameleon
BeginnerChamaeleo calyptratus
The Yemeni chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is a large, tree-dwelling chameleon native to the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. Its most striking feature is its tall crest, which is much more pronounced in males than in females. Males reach a total length of up to 60 cm, while females remain considerably smaller at 25-35 cm. The species is native to a relatively dry, seasonal climate with cool nights and is considered hardier than many other chameleons. Nevertheless, it is not an animal to be handled. Yemeni chameleons are solitary and sensitive to stress. They require a well-ventilated terrarium with UV lighting, dripping water, and a varied diet of insects. This species is suitable for owners who are thoroughly prepared and primarily want to observe the animals.
- Origin
- Yemen
- Activity time
- Diurnal
- Overwintering
- No
- Overwintering details
- No winter dormancy. It is possible to reduce the temperature and lighting duration for several weeks in the winter, but it is not necessary.
- Social behavior
- Solitary animals, keep strictly alone without visual contact with other members of the same species. Pair them only briefly for breeding.
Biology & traits
- Total length
- 25-60 cm
- Breeding possible
- Yes
- Lifespan
- 3–8 years
Terrarium & husbandry
- Daytime temperature
- 25-30 °C
- Nighttime temperature
- 16-20 °C
- Air humidity
- 40-80 %
- Basking spot
- 32-35 °C
- Lighting
- Required
- Minimum terrarium size
- 120x80x60
- Substrate
- Unfertilized soil
Nutrition & care
- Feeding notes
- Live insects (crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, locusts, flies), dusted with calcium. Feed juveniles daily. Feed males 3-4 times and females 2-3 times per week in small portions. Provide water only in drops, along with leaves such as dandelion or hibiscus.