Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Chameleon

Chamaeleonidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Chameleons are climbing lizards with specialized prey-catching tongues. This account describes the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus), rather than the entire family.

Chamaeleo calyptratus (chameleon)

Representative species: Chamaeleo calyptratus.

Kupos · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Veiled chameleons inhabit trees and shrubs in Yemen and southwestern Saudi Arabia, including dry valleys and mountain slopes.
Habitat
Desert, Mountains
Diet
Insectivore
Food
Insects make up most of the diet; leaves are also eaten.

Classification

Common name
Chameleon
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Chamaeleonidae
Taxon rank
family
Family
Chamaeleonidae
Source classification
Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • A raised casque crowns its head.
  • Its sticky tongue catches insects.
  • Males usually have larger casques than females.

Habitat and range

Veiled chameleons inhabit trees and shrubs in Yemen and southwestern Saudi Arabia, including dry valleys and mountain slopes.

Appearance and adaptations

A tall head crest and bands of green, yellow and other colours distinguish this species. Males are larger than females.

Diet and behaviour

Insects make up most of the diet; leaves are also eaten. It projects its tongue at prey from a perch. Adults can be territorial and generally live apart, coming together to breed.

Sources

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