Flap-Necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) Care Sheet
The Flap-Necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) is a medium-sized African chameleon named for the movable occipital flaps extending from the rear of the head. When threatened or displaying, these flaps can be raised, making the animal appear larger.
It is one of the most geographically widespread African chameleons, occurring across large areas of sub-Saharan Africa and occupying a much broader range of habitats than highly specialised montane species.
Depending on locality, Flap-Necked Chameleons may inhabit:
- Savanna
- Open woodland
- Bushland
- Scrub
- Grassland with shrubs and trees
- Forest margins
- Agricultural areas
- Gardens
This broad distribution means that climate can vary considerably between populations. Husbandry should therefore take account of an animal’s known geographical origin whenever possible rather than assuming every Chamaeleo dilepis requires identical conditions.
Compared with cool montane species, the Flap-Necked Chameleon generally tolerates warmer daytime conditions, but it still requires:
- A proper thermal gradient
- Nighttime cooling
- Excellent ventilation
- Appropriate humidity cycles
- Regular access to drinking droplets
- Dense vegetation
- Appropriate UVB
- A varied live-invertebrate diet
- Individual housing
Historically, large numbers of Flap-Necked Chameleons entered the pet trade as wild-caught animals. Wild-origin specimens may arrive dehydrated, stressed and carrying significant parasite burdens.
Whenever possible:
documented captive-bred animals should be strongly preferred.
Quick facts
Scientific name: Chamaeleo dilepis
Common names: Flap-Necked Chameleon, Flap-Neck Chameleon
Family: Chamaeleonidae
Distribution: Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa
Lifestyle: Arboreal and shrub-dwelling
Activity: Diurnal
Adult size: Approximately 25–35 cm (10–14 in) total length; some populations and individuals may become larger
Diet: Primarily live invertebrates
Day ambient temperature: Approximately 22–26°C (72–79°F)
Basking temperature: Approximately 28–31°C (82–88°F)
Cool area: Approximately 20–23°C (68–73°F)
Night temperature: Approximately 16–20°C (61–68°F), with locality and seasonal variation
Day humidity: Approximately 40–60%, with periodic increases following misting
Night humidity: Approximately 70–90% where temperatures are cooler and ventilation is strong
UVB: Essential
Suggested basking UVI: Approximately 2–3
Adult enclosure: At least approximately 60 × 60 × 120 cm (2 × 2 × 4 ft); 90 × 60 × 120 cm (3 × 2 × 4 ft) or larger preferred
Housing: Individual
Reproduction: Egg-laying
Handling: Minimal
Experience level: Intermediate
Taxonomy
The accepted scientific name is:
Chamaeleo dilepis
It belongs to:
Family: Chamaeleonidae
Genus: Chamaeleo
Geographic variation
Chamaeleo dilepis has an extensive African distribution.
Several geographically distinct forms and subspecies have historically been recognised, and taxonomy within the wider group is complex.
This matters because animals from different areas may naturally experience different:
- Temperatures
- Rainfall patterns
- Seasonal cycles
- Humidity
- Adult sizes
Provenance matters
Where possible, retain information concerning:
- Country of origin
- Locality
- Captive-bred lineage
- Parentage
Do not deliberately mix geographically distinct lines without documenting the offspring accurately.
Natural distribution
Flap-Necked Chameleons occur across substantial areas of:
- Eastern Africa
- Central Africa
- Southern Africa
Their exact distribution depends partly on taxonomic interpretation.
Natural habitat
Unlike many specialist forest chameleons, Chamaeleo dilepis occupies a wide variety of habitats.
These can include:
- Savanna
- Bushland
- Open woodland
- Forest edge
- Shrubland
- Grassland containing bushes and trees
- Cultivated land
- Gardens
Arboreal but adaptable
The species is primarily arboreal but frequently uses:
- Shrubs
- Low trees
- Tall vegetation
rather than remaining exclusively high in forest canopy.
Seasonal environment
Many populations experience distinct:
- Wet seasons
- Dry seasons
These seasonal cycles influence:
- Food abundance
- Reproduction
- Hydration
- Activity
Adult size
Adults commonly reach approximately:
25–35 cm (10–14 in)
total length.
Some individuals or populations may become larger.
Occipital flaps
The defining feature is the pair of:
movable flaps behind the head.
Defensive display
When threatened, a chameleon may raise these flaps while also:
- Flattening its body
- Inflating the throat
- Gaping
- Hissing
- Changing colour
The display makes the animal appear substantially larger.
Colouration
Common colours include:
- Green
- Yellow-green
- Olive
- Brown
- Grey
Pattern
Animals may display:
- Pale lateral bands
- Dark markings
- Spots
- Mottling
depending on:
- Mood
- Temperature
- Reproductive state
- Locality
Sexual dimorphism
Sexual differences can include:
- Body size
- Tail-base shape
- Colour
- Reproductive colour patterns
Depending on the population, sexing young animals may require experience.
Behaviour
Flap-Necked Chameleons are generally:
solitary.
Territorial behaviour
Adults may respond aggressively to other chameleons.
Stress
Chameleons can experience significant stress from:
- Handling
- Constant visual exposure
- Other chameleons
- Busy surroundings
- Lack of hiding cover
Handling
Handling should remain:
minimal.
Voluntary movement
When movement is necessary, encourage the animal to:
walk onto a hand or branch voluntarily.
Never pull from a branch
Do not forcibly remove a gripping chameleon.
This can damage:
- Toes
- Feet
- Limbs
Defensive behaviour
A frightened Flap-Necked Chameleon may:
- Raise its neck flaps
- Flatten laterally
- Gap
- Hiss
- Lunge
- Bite
Enclosure philosophy
The enclosure should provide:
a densely structured, well-ventilated arboreal environment with strong environmental gradients.
Minimum adult enclosure
For one adult, provide at least approximately:
60 × 60 × 120 cm (2 × 2 × 4 ft).
Preferred adult enclosure
Approximately:
90 × 60 × 120 cm (3 × 2 × 4 ft)
or larger is preferable.
Large individuals
Large adults benefit from approximately:
90 × 60 × 150 cm (3 × 2 × 5 ft)
or larger.
Why enclosure width matters
Chameleons require more than height.
Width allows:
- Horizontal movement
- Temperature choice
- UVB choice
- Shaded retreats
- Visual security
Enclosure type
Suitable designs include:
- Screen enclosures
- Hybrid screen/PVC enclosures
- Highly ventilated glass enclosures
- Custom planted vivaria
Ireland and UK
In Irish and UK homes, completely screened enclosures can sometimes become:
- Too cool
- Too dry
during winter.
Hybrid enclosures can make environmental control easier while retaining substantial airflow.
Ventilation
Good ventilation is essential.
Avoid stagnant conditions
Humidity should never be achieved by creating a:
sealed, stagnant enclosure.
Branch network
Provide numerous:
- Horizontal branches
- Diagonal branches
- Fine branches
- Medium branches
- Vines
Continuous pathways
The animal should be able to move throughout most of the enclosure using:
branches rather than enclosure walls.
Branch diameter
Provide several diameters to support healthy:
- Feet
- Grip
- Joints
Basking branch
Provide a secure branch beneath:
- Heat
- UVB
Foliage
Provide substantial vegetation.
Visual cover
The chameleon should be able to:
hide completely from view.
Live plants
Suitable options may include:
- Pothos
- Schefflera
- Ficus
- Hibiscus
provided they are safe and pesticide-free.
Plant preparation
Wash plants thoroughly and remove contaminated:
- Compost
- Fertiliser
- Pesticide residues
where necessary.
Drainage
Regular misting requires:
effective drainage.
Standing water
Do not allow water to accumulate continuously on the enclosure floor.
Temperature
Flap-Necked Chameleons generally tolerate warmer daytime conditions than montane Trioceros and Kinyongia species.
However, they should still have:
a broad thermal gradient.
Day ambient temperature
Maintain approximately:
22–26°C (72–79°F).
Basking temperature
Provide approximately:
28–31°C (82–88°F).
Female basking
Females generally do not require excessively high basking temperatures.
A moderate basking area is preferable to intense heat.
Cool area
Provide shaded areas around:
20–23°C (68–73°F).
Thermal choice
The animal should always be able to leave the basking area and enter:
substantially cooler shade.
Night temperature
Allow nighttime temperatures to fall toward approximately:
16–20°C (61–68°F).
Locality variation
Animals originating from cooler or higher-altitude areas may naturally experience:
lower nighttime temperatures.
Night cooling
Some nighttime cooling is beneficial and supports a natural:
day-night rhythm.
Heating
Use:
overhead heat.
Basking lamp
A halogen flood lamp can provide suitable basking heat.
Avoid intense spot lamps
Very concentrated heat can increase the risk of:
- Burns
- Localised overheating
Thermostat
Use suitable control to prevent dangerous temperatures.
Temperature monitoring
Measure:
- Basking branch
- Upper ambient temperature
- Lower shaded area
- Night minimum
UVB
UVB is essential.
Suggested basking UVI
Aim for approximately:
UVI 2–3
at the principal exposed basking branch.
UV gradient
Provide:
- UVI around 1–2 in partial cover
- UVI below 1 within dense foliage
- Near-zero UV retreats
What this means in practice
A quality:
linear T5 UVB lamp
should normally be used over part of the enclosure.
Lamp strength
The appropriate lamp depends on:
- Enclosure mesh
- Lamp model
- Reflector
- Distance to basking branch
Mesh effect
Fine mesh can substantially reduce UVB reaching the animal.
UV meter
Where possible, measure actual UVI using:
a suitable UV meter.
Shade
The enclosure should not receive uniform UV exposure.
The chameleon must be able to:
move into shade.
Visible-spectrum lighting
Provide bright daylight-spectrum lighting.
Why brightness matters
Chameleons rely heavily on vision for:
- Hunting
- Navigation
- Social behaviour
- Circadian regulation
Photoperiod
Approximately:
11–13 hours
of daylight is appropriate depending on season and locality.
Night lighting
Provide:
complete darkness at night.
Humidity
Humidity requirements vary somewhat according to locality and season.
Day humidity
A useful general range is approximately:
40–60%.
Humidity after misting
Humidity can rise temporarily after misting before gradually falling again.
Night humidity
Nighttime humidity may rise toward approximately:
70–90%
as temperatures fall.
Humidity cycling
Natural fluctuation is preferable to maintaining one fixed humidity percentage continuously.
Daytime drying
Allow exposed branches and leaves to:
dry between misting sessions.
Constant wetness
Do not maintain the enclosure continuously saturated.
Ventilation
Maintain good airflow throughout the day and night.
Misting
Provide substantial misting:
once or twice daily
as a starting point.
Morning misting
Morning misting provides:
- Drinking opportunities
- Eye cleaning
- Rehydration
Evening misting
An evening misting can support the natural rise in nighttime humidity.
Misting duration
A meaningful misting session is generally preferable to repeated extremely short sprays.
The animal needs sufficient time to:
recognise water and begin drinking.
Dripper
A daytime dripper can provide additional drinking opportunities.
Water bowl
Do not rely on a standing water bowl as the primary drinking source.
Drinking behaviour
Flap-Necked Chameleons normally drink:
droplets from leaves and branches.
Fogging
Fogging may be useful in some setups during cooler nighttime periods.
It is not automatically necessary for every locality.
Avoid warm fog
Do not create:
warm stagnant fog.
Hydration monitoring
Monitor:
- Eyes
- Urates
- Body weight
- Activity
- Appetite
Urates
Well-hydrated urates are generally predominantly:
white.
Orange urates
Persistent dark yellow or orange urates can indicate:
inadequate hydration.
Diet
Flap-Necked Chameleons are primarily:
insectivorous.
Natural prey
Wild animals consume a broad range of:
- Grasshoppers
- Crickets
- Flies
- Beetles
- Caterpillars
- Moths
- Spiders
- Other arthropods
Captive staple feeders
Suitable feeders include:
- Crickets
- Locusts
- Appropriate roaches
- Silkworms
- Black soldier fly larvae
Additional variety
Offer:
- Flies
- Moths
- Hornworms
- Bean beetles
- Appropriate stick insects
- Other safe cultured invertebrates
Dietary variety
Do not rely exclusively on:
one feeder species.
Prey size
Offer prey that can be swallowed comfortably.
Adult feeding
Healthy adults generally do well with appropriately sized prey approximately:
3–4 times weekly.
Juvenile feeding
Growing juveniles should be offered food:
daily or almost daily.
Female feeding
Females should receive adequate nutrition without being chronically overfed.
Why female body condition matters
Excessive feeding may encourage:
- Large clutches
- Increased reproductive burden
- Obesity
Gut loading
Conventional feeder insects should be:
properly gut loaded.
Calcium
Dust feeders lightly with:
plain calcium
on an appropriate schedule.
Multivitamin
Use an appropriate reptile multivitamin periodically.
Vitamin D3
Supplemental D3 should be used appropriately and conservatively where adequate UVB is provided.
Avoid excessive supplementation
More supplementation is not automatically better.
Chronic excess can contribute to:
- Nutritional imbalance
- Organ damage
- Abnormal mineralisation
Body condition
Healthy adults should remain:
- Lean
- Muscular
- Well hydrated
Weight monitoring
Regular weighing is useful for:
- Newly acquired animals
- Females
- Juveniles
- Animals recovering from illness
Social housing
Flap-Necked Chameleons should normally be:
housed individually.
Adult males
Adult males should not be housed together.
Male and female housing
Permanent pair housing is not recommended.
Females
Females may also become stressed by:
- Other females
- Persistent male attention
Visual contact
Even animals in separate enclosures may react to one another.
Signs of visual stress
These can include:
- Persistent display colours
- Hiding
- Reduced feeding
- Pacing
Visual barriers
Use:
- Dense planting
- Solid partitions
where necessary.
Reproduction
Flap-Necked Chameleons are:
oviparous — egg-laying.
Female reproductive biology
Females may develop eggs even without successful mating.
This means mature females require appropriate reproductive husbandry regardless of whether deliberate breeding is planned.
Breeding condition
Females should only be intentionally bred when:
- Mature
- Well grown
- Properly hydrated
- In good body condition
Courtship
A male may:
- Approach the female
- Change colour
- Display
- Perform head movements
Female rejection
A non-receptive female may:
- Darken
- Display contrasting markings
- Gap
- Threaten
- Attempt to escape
Separate incompatible animals
Do not leave a female exposed to persistent:
male harassment.
Gravid female
Signs may include:
- Increased body mass
- Abdominal enlargement
- Changed colouration
- Reduced receptivity
- Restlessness
- Ground exploration
- Digging
Laying provision
Mature females should have access to:
deep suitable laying substrate.
Nesting depth
Provide at least approximately:
25–30 cm (10–12 in).
Preferred depth
Approximately:
30–40 cm (12–16 in)
provides better nesting choice.
Nesting container
The female must be able to:
- Enter fully
- Turn around
- Dig a complete tunnel
- Lay without disturbance
Nesting substrate
A mixture of:
- Organic topsoil
- Sand
can work well.
Moisture
The substrate should be moist enough to:
hold a tunnel without collapsing.
Privacy
A female that is digging should receive:
substantial privacy.
Disturbance during laying
Repeatedly watching or uncovering the animal may cause:
- Tunnel abandonment
- Delayed laying
- Increased risk of egg retention
Clutch size
Clutch size varies with:
- Female size
- Population
- Age
- Condition
Approximately:
20–40 eggs
may be produced, although smaller or larger clutches can occur.
Reproductive burden
Large clutches can place substantial demands on:
- Calcium
- Hydration
- Energy reserves
Post-laying care
After laying:
- Rehydrate thoroughly
- Offer appropriate food
- Maintain calcium intake
- Minimise stress
- Monitor body weight
Egg handling
If eggs are removed:
- Maintain their orientation
- Avoid rotation
- Handle gently
Incubation medium
Suitable media include:
- Vermiculite
- Perlite
maintained moist but not saturated.
Incubation temperature
Approximately:
23–25°C (73–77°F)
is a reasonable general incubation range for many C. dilepis populations.
Locality matters
Natural thermal regimes vary across the species’ broad distribution.
Where provenance is known, incubation conditions should take locality into account.
Avoid excessive incubation heat
Do not attempt to accelerate development using unnecessarily high temperatures.
Incubation duration
Eggs may take approximately:
7–10 months
to hatch, although duration varies considerably with temperature and locality.
Hatchlings
Hatchlings are small and require careful hydration.
Hatchling enclosure
Provide:
- Fine branches
- Small live plants
- Excellent ventilation
- Gentle heat
- Appropriate UVB
Hatchling temperature
Maintain daytime temperatures around:
21–24°C (70–75°F).
Hatchling basking area
Provide approximately:
25–27°C (77–81°F).
Hatchling night temperature
Allow nighttime temperatures to fall toward approximately:
16–19°C (61–66°F).
Hatchling UVB
Provide approximately:
UVI 1–2
at exposed upper branches.
Hatchling hydration
Provide frequent opportunities to drink while ensuring the enclosure can:
dry between misting sessions.
Hatchling diet
Offer tiny prey including:
- Flightless fruit flies
- Pinhead crickets
- Tiny roach nymphs
- Bean beetles
- Other appropriately sized cultured invertebrates
Hatchling feeding
Feed:
daily.
Hatchling supplementation
Dust prey:
lightly.
Growth
Young animals should grow steadily.
Do not attempt to force rapid growth using:
- Excessive food
- Excessive heat
- Excessive supplementation
Quarantine
All newly acquired Flap-Necked Chameleons should undergo quarantine.
At least:
90 days
is recommended.
Wild-caught animals
This is particularly important because Chamaeleo dilepis has historically been heavily represented in the wild-caught trade.
Wild-origin problems
Recently imported animals may suffer from:
- Severe dehydration
- Weight loss
- Parasites
- Injuries
- Shipping stress
- Respiratory disease
- Poor nutritional condition
Captive-bred preference
Choose:
documented captive-bred animals whenever possible.
Veterinary assessment
Wild-caught or uncertain-origin animals should ideally receive:
- Physical examination
- Accurate body weight
- Faecal parasite testing
Parasites
Wild animals may carry:
- Nematodes
- Protozoa
- Other gastrointestinal parasites
Parasites are not automatically an emergency
The significance of a parasite finding depends on:
- Species
- Burden
- Clinical condition
- Overall health
Do not treat blindly
Unnecessary or incorrectly dosed antiparasitic treatment can itself be harmful.
Treatment should be guided by:
a suitably experienced reptile veterinarian.
Common health concerns
Potential problems include:
- Dehydration
- Chronic overheating
- Metabolic bone disease
- Parasites
- Respiratory disease
- Eye disease
- Burns
- Nutritional imbalance
- Reproductive complications
Dehydration
Possible signs include:
- Sunken eyes
- Dry or orange urates
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
Metabolic bone disease
Possible signs include:
- Weak grip
- Tremors
- Bent limbs
- Soft jaw
- Fractures
- Difficulty climbing
MBD prevention
Provide:
- Appropriate UVB
- Correct calcium supplementation
- Properly gut-loaded prey
- Appropriate temperatures
Respiratory disease
Risk factors include:
- Poor ventilation
- Constant wetness
- Incorrect temperatures
- Warm stagnant humidity
Respiratory warning signs
Watch for:
- Wheezing
- Clicking
- Nasal discharge
- Excess mucus
- Persistent abnormal open-mouth breathing
Eye health
Healthy chameleon eyes should normally be:
- Full
- Open
- Mobile
during daylight.
Daytime eye closure
Persistent daytime eye closure is:
abnormal.
Burns
Prevent access to:
- Heat bulbs
- Hot fittings
- Exposed heating elements
Reproductive disease
Females can suffer from:
- Calcium depletion
- Follicular problems
- Egg retention
- Dystocia
Possible dystocia
Warning signs include:
- Persistent digging without laying
- Repeated abandoned nests
- Straining
- Severe weakness
- Continued abdominal enlargement
- Prolonged anorexia
Veterinary red flags
Seek veterinary assessment for:
- Persistent anorexia
- Significant weight loss
- Severe dehydration
- Weak grip
- Tremors
- Persistent daytime eye closure
- Abnormal breathing
- Serious injury
- Suspected reproductive problems
Cleaning
Remove promptly:
- Faeces
- Dead feeders
- Rotting vegetation
- Mould
Drainage maintenance
Check drainage systems regularly.
Bioactive enclosures
Bioactive systems can be used successfully but do not eliminate the need for:
- Spot cleaning
- Drainage maintenance
- Plant care
- Health monitoring
Seasonal husbandry
Seasonal variation can be particularly relevant to Chamaeleo dilepis because of its broad geographical distribution.
Wet season
A wetter period may involve:
- Increased misting
- Higher humidity
- Greater feeder availability
- Increased reproductive activity
Dry season
A drier period may involve:
- Reduced rainfall simulation
- Lower daytime humidity
- Continued access to drinking water
- Seasonal changes in feeding
Do not deliberately dehydrate
A dry season does not mean:
withholding drinking water.
Seasonal temperatures
Temperature changes should be based on:
- Known locality
- Natural climate
- Established husbandry experience
rather than arbitrary seasonal cooling.
Brumation
Flap-Necked Chameleons do not undergo conventional:
temperate reptile brumation.
Conservation
Because Chamaeleo dilepis has a broad distribution, conservation pressures vary between populations.
Threats may include:
- Habitat conversion
- Agricultural development
- Road mortality
- Pesticides
- Wild collection
CITES
Flap-Necked Chameleons are regulated under:
CITES Appendix II.
What Appendix II means
International commercial trade can occur, but it is:
regulated.
Appropriate documentation may be required depending on:
- Origin
- Destination
- Type of movement
Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain
Requirements for:
- Import
- Export
- Sale
- Commercial movement
can differ between jurisdictions and may change.
Always check current rules before international movement.
Wild-caught provenance
For wild-origin animals, retain all available:
- Import records
- CITES documentation
- Supplier records
- Country-of-origin information
Captive breeding records
For captive-bred animals, record:
- Parents
- Hatch date
- Sex
- Locality where known
- Breeder
- Relevant documentation
Never release captive animals
Never release captive Flap-Necked Chameleons into the wild.
Common husbandry mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Assuming every population requires identical conditions
- Keeping the enclosure too hot
- Providing no cool retreat
- Maintaining warm nights continuously
- Poor ventilation
- Keeping the enclosure permanently wet
- Keeping humidity constantly high without a drying cycle
- Providing inadequate drinking opportunities
- Relying on a water bowl
- Using very brief misting sessions
- Providing inadequate UVB
- Providing excessive UVB without shade
- Using compact UVB as the only UV source in a large enclosure
- Sparse foliage
- Poor branch networks
- Feeding only crickets
- Failing to gut-load feeders
- Over-supplementing
- Overfeeding females
- Housing adults together
- Allowing constant visual contact
- Handling unnecessarily
- Providing inadequate nesting substrate
- Disturbing a digging female
- Failing to quarantine wild-origin animals
- Treating parasites without diagnosis
- Purchasing animals without provenance
Responsible ownership
Before obtaining a Flap-Necked Chameleon, ensure you can provide:
- Correct species identification
- Provenance information where possible
- Legally documented origin
- At least approximately 60 × 60 × 120 cm (2 × 2 × 4 ft) adult housing
- Preferably 90 × 60 × 120 cm (3 × 2 × 4 ft) or larger
- Dense vegetation
- Numerous interconnected branches
- Excellent ventilation
- Effective drainage
- Day temperatures around 22–26°C (72–79°F)
- Basking around 28–31°C (82–88°F)
- Cooler areas around 20–23°C (68–73°F)
- Night cooling toward approximately 16–20°C (61–68°F)
- Appropriate humidity cycling
- Reliable misting
- Drinking droplets
- Appropriate UVB
- UVI around 2–3 at the main exposed basking branch
- Extensive shaded retreats
- Bright visible-spectrum lighting
- A varied live-invertebrate diet
- Proper gut loading
- Appropriate supplementation
- Individual housing
- Deep nesting substrate for mature females
- Quarantine facilities
- Access to a reptile-experienced veterinarian
Summary
The Flap-Necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) is a widespread African chameleon adapted to a broad range of habitats including savanna, bushland, woodland and forest margins.
Adults commonly reach approximately:
25–35 cm (10–14 in)
total length.
For one adult, provide at least approximately:
60 × 60 × 120 cm (2 × 2 × 4 ft),
with:
90 × 60 × 120 cm (3 × 2 × 4 ft)
or larger preferred.
Maintain daytime temperatures around:
22–26°C (72–79°F)
with a basking area around:
28–31°C (82–88°F).
Provide cooler shaded areas around:
20–23°C (68–73°F)
and allow nighttime temperatures to fall toward approximately:
16–20°C (61–68°F).
A useful general humidity pattern is approximately:
40–60% during the day
with humidity rising toward approximately:
70–90% at night,
provided temperatures are cooler and ventilation remains strong.
Provide UVB producing approximately:
UVI 2–3
at the principal exposed basking perch.
Feed a varied diet of:
- Crickets
- Locusts
- Roaches
- Silkworms
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Flies
- Moths
- Other suitable cultured invertebrates
with proper gut loading and appropriate supplementation.
Adults should normally be:
housed individually.
Females are egg-laying and require deep nesting substrate even when deliberate breeding is not planned.
Because this species has historically been common in the wild-caught trade, quarantine, hydration, parasite screening and accurate provenance are particularly important.
Chamaeleo dilepis is regulated under:
CITES Appendix II.
Successful husbandry is based on:
space, ventilation, thermal choice, reliable hydration, appropriate UVB, dietary variety and recognition that locality can influence environmental requirements.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.
Always check current legislation governing the acquisition, collection, import, transport, keeping, breeding or sale of reptiles in your jurisdiction.
If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or reptile veterinarian.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: September 2026