Chamaela dilepis (Leach, 18 19)
Flap­necked Chameleon

This chameleon ' species formerly was imported frequently but currently is not commonly seen. On first sight the most noticeable feature of this chameleon is the low casque with a deeply indented flap at the back over the nape. The animal can spread this flap like an elephant spreads its ears, reaching a maximum angle of 90°. The flap is covered with large scales of about equal size. The throat (gular), ventral (belly), and dorsal crests are clearly visible. On the flank there is a light stripe extending from the chin or the shoulder. The ground color is green. The maximum size is reported as just under 38 centimeters (15 inches). Males are smaller than females and have an ankle spur. In the event that the sex determination is still uncertain, the thickened base of the tail of the male is, as usual, diagnostic. In the forested regions and wooded savannahs of tropical and southern Africa, the Flap­ necked Chameleon probably is one of the most abundant chameleons. Several different climatic conditions prevail over its large range, so the hobbyist should endeavor to determine the origin of any purchased specimen. Here we will use the keeping and breeding of the South African form as an example, but remember that chameleons from other parts of the range may require different incubation temperatures and probably different cycles of day and night temperatures as well. These chameleons absolutely must be kept singly, because they are extremely quarrelsome. When Flap necked Chameleons are kept together, they always bite each other, which can lead to serious injuries. Even without bodily contact it must be expected that at the impetuous approach of a male, the female will fall into a kind of akinesis, turn totally black, and recover only after' a fairly long time. For ventilation, one side and the top of the terrarium should consist of wire mesh. The ideal location for the terrarium is a sunny place, which, however, must also provide the animal the opportunity to seek out shade. A spotlight and fluorescent tubes help to produce suitable temperatures and lighting conditions for the chameleon. The substrate should consist of a 10­centimeter (4 inch) layer of a soil sand mixture. During the day the temperature should be between 25 and 32°C (77 to 90°F), and it should be allowed to drop to 18 to 22°C (65 to 72°F) at night. A relative humidity of 50 to 60 percent during the day and 80 to 90 percent at night is appropriate. Spraying the terrarium in the morning and if necessary in the evening helps to achieve these values. All of the usual kinds of food can be offered: wax moth larvae, crickets, grasshoppers, flies, spiders, and moths. The chameleons meet their drinking requirement from the spraying of the plants. It is also worthwhile to see if the chameleons will drink from a dish. In addition, they should be given water twice a week from a pipette. At mating time, when the female exhibits yellow spots on the green ground color, the sexes are put together. The female reacts either with slow flight or she remains perched on her branch and threatens mildly. The male approaches very impatiently; often he does not court at all. Copulation takes place in the usual manner and lasts a total of about 20 minutes About 30 to 50 days after mating, the female lays between 19 and 58 eggs. The eggs should be put on moist vermiculite at 28°C (82°F) in an incubator. The young hatch after about ten months and are about 37 millimeters (1.5 inches) long, the tail making up half of the length. The body length can double within two months, and with optimal diet and care, the young can reach a length of 10 centimeters (4 inches) after three months and 15 centimeters (6 inches) after seven months. After about a year the little chameleons are fully grown and hence sexually mature. Young Flapnecked Chameleons must be reared singly. A daytime maximum temperature of 25°C (77°F) should not be exceeded. As with all young chameleons, an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals must be provided.