Flap-neck Chameleon

© Nigel Dennis

Name

Flap-neck Chameleon [Chamaeleo dilepis]

Vital Statistics

Class - Reptilia
Order - Squamata
Family - Chamaeleonidae
Subspecies - A number of sub-species have been described across its range
Length_F - 120 - 140 mm
Length_M - 120 - 140 mm

Description

The flap-neck chameleon is characterised by its large continuous crest containing small white, triangular tubercles that stem from the throat to the belly. Their colours vary from yellow, green and brown, while the belly crest is white and are easy to spot in South Africa. They have notable pale bars on the side.

Distribution

The flap-neck chameleon lives within the tropical regions in South Africa. Notable populations can be found in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern provinces and the Northern Cape.

Breeding

The flap-neck chameleon lays up to 25-50 eggs during the summer months in South Africa. The eggs take around 377 days to hatch.

Diet

Grasshoppers and beetles are the Flap-neck Chameleon’s preferred preys.

Field Notes

The flap-neck chameleon males are identified by their broader tails and spurs growing at the back of the hind feet.