Veiled Chameleon
From The Reptile File Wiki
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'''Genus:''' Chamaeleo <br /> | '''Genus:''' Chamaeleo <br /> | ||
'''Species:''' Calyptratus | '''Species:''' Calyptratus | ||
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
Veiled chameleons are native to Yemen and southern Saudi Arabia, and reside in an amazing variety of different habitats and are one of about 80 species considered "Old World" lizards. These are true chameleons. As adults they have a large helmet that begins as a nub when they hatch. Male helmets are larger than females, but both sexes have them. As babies they are mostly a very bright green, but mature into other colored bands of brilliant blues, greens, golds, reds and black. The female colors are much more muted and lean more towards the "earthy" tones. Although chameleons at rest tend to assume colors similar to their surroundings, color change is most often used to signify emotional state much like a mood ring. They cannot choose their colors of camouflage. They have a set colors unique to the species and within that species - unique to the particular region in which they live. | Veiled chameleons are native to Yemen and southern Saudi Arabia, and reside in an amazing variety of different habitats and are one of about 80 species considered "Old World" lizards. These are true chameleons. As adults they have a large helmet that begins as a nub when they hatch. Male helmets are larger than females, but both sexes have them. As babies they are mostly a very bright green, but mature into other colored bands of brilliant blues, greens, golds, reds and black. The female colors are much more muted and lean more towards the "earthy" tones. Although chameleons at rest tend to assume colors similar to their surroundings, color change is most often used to signify emotional state much like a mood ring. They cannot choose their colors of camouflage. They have a set colors unique to the species and within that species - unique to the particular region in which they live. | ||
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+ | [[Image:Male_Veiled_Chameleon.jpg|thumb|left|Chaos - Owned by Author]] | ||
Their eyes move independently and can swivel nearly 180 degrees in opposite directions. When prey is spotted it will focus both eyes and then the tongue goes into action. The tongue can be up to 1 1/2 times the length of it's body. | Their eyes move independently and can swivel nearly 180 degrees in opposite directions. When prey is spotted it will focus both eyes and then the tongue goes into action. The tongue can be up to 1 1/2 times the length of it's body. |