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.
|