Veiled Chameleon

The male is 43 to 61 cm (17 to 24 in) long from the snout to the tip of the tail. The female is shorter, no more than about 35 cm (14 in), but it has a thicker body. Both sexes have a casque on the head which grows larger as the chameleon matures, reaching about 5 cm (2.0 in) in the largest adults. Newly hatched offspring are born pastel green in color and develop stripes and different colors as they mature. Adult females are green with white, orange, yellow, or tan mottling. Adult males are brighter with more defined bands of yellow or blue and some mottling. Coloration can be affected by several factors, including social status. In experimental conditions, young veiled chameleons reared in isolation developed to be darker and duller in color compared to those raised with other individuals. Females change color over the course of their reproductive cycles. Chameleons also tend to change to a much darker color when stressed.

The veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is an arboreal species. It is native to the south-western Arabian Peninsula where the climate is semi-arid and tropical. It is highly susceptible to stress which makes it a species difficult to treat in captivity. This chameleon lives in a number of habitat types in its native range, including plateaus, mountains, and valleys. Like most other chameleons, it is arboreal, living in trees and other large plants. It prefers warmer temperature, generally between 24 and 35 °C (75 and 95 °F).

The veiled chameleon is primarily insectivorous. Like other chameleons, the veiled chameleon has the ability to capture large prey but their diets mainly consist of small prey. Green insects seem to be a favorite. However, it is one of several chameleon species also known to consume plants, such as vegetables and fruits. This is believed to perhaps be used as a source of water during the dry season.

Veiled chameleons require specific care and husbandry in order to ensure their health. Captive veiled chameleons should never be released in the wild because they are an invasive species that can cause significant harm to a local ecosystem. It is important to be responsible when owning a veiled chameleon as a pet and never to release them in the wild. There are many local reptile rescue organizations around the world that will be able to take the veiled chameleon if the owner does not want it anymore. It is important that veiled chameleons have a tall and spacious enclosure that provides plenty of climbing opportunities. Since veiled chameleons are arboreal, an adult veiled chameleon should have at least 2 feet by 2 feet by 4 feet in size with lots of vines to climb on [1]. Veiled chameleon also require a basking spot with a temperature of 90–95 degrees Fahrenheit, with a cooler area of 70–80 degrees Fahrenheit. Veiled chameleons also need a full-spectrum UVB lighting. The UVB light helps metabolize calcium properly. Veiled chameleons are insectivores and require a diet of live insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Insects should be dusted with calcium. Veiled chameleons require regular access to water for drinking and humidity. …

The term 'veiled chameleon' refers to the species Chamaeleo calyptratus. 'Veiled' describes their distinctive casque on the head, resembling a veil. This term highlights the species' unique feature. The generic term 'chameleon' is derived from the Greek 'χαμαιλέων' ('khamailéōn'), a compound of 'χαμαί' ('khamaí'), meaning 'low to the ground' and 'λέων' ('léōn'), meaning 'lion', emphasizing the specie's nature as akin to a miniature lion, highlighting its dignified and perhaps majestic demeanor, much like a lion in miniature form, staying close to the ground. The species name 'calyptratus' comes from the Greek 'καλύπτρα' (kalýptra), meaning 'veil' or 'cover', referring to the distinctive casque or veil-like structure on their head. This casque not only serves as a significant physical characteristic but also plays a practical role in channeling dew and rainwater towards the mouth for hydration.