Scaly friends count too.
Veiled Chameleon
Chamaeleo calyptratus
Also called Yemen chameleon, Cone-head chameleon, Jemen-Chamäleon (German)
From The Arabian Peninsula: Yemen and southwestern Saudi Arabia, in subtropical and tropical mountain areas up to about 2,500 m. Introduced to Florida and Hawaii.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Tree-dwelling chameleon with a tall casque
A large chameleon recognised by the tall, helmet-like casque on its head, which can reach about 5 cm in big adults. Its eyes swivel independently, its toes are fused into two opposing groups for gripping branches, and its tail curls like a spring. Colour shifts with mood, temperature and social situation.13
Personality what they are like
A solitary, watchful lizard that is happiest observed rather than handled. With patient, gentle effort it can become tolerant of people, especially if handling is paired with good things like food or a new climbing spot.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Arboreal and rarely comes to the ground. Needs a tall enclosure dense with branches, vines and plants to climb and hide in.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Chameleons drink droplets rather than from bowls, so mist morning and evening and consider a dripper in the afternoon. Use distilled water in misting equipment. Replace UVB bulbs as recommended.3
Home where they are happiest
At least 60 x 60 x 120 cm (24 x 24 x 48 in), larger for big males. Basking spot about 29 C (85 F), general 22-25 C, nights 13-18 C. Humidity 40-50% by day rising to 80-100% at night. 12 hours of UVB and bright daylight. Live, non-toxic plants such as pothos, hibiscus and umbrella plant work well.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly insects: crickets, roaches, hornworms, locusts and silkworms, with supplements. Juveniles eat as much as they want daily; adults get about 4-5 insects every other day. Unusually for a chameleon, it also nibbles plants.31
Company who they like around
Keep one chameleon per enclosure.3
The story where it all began
Duméril and Bibron described the species in 1851, but the type locality was wrongly given as Madagascar; it actually lives on the Arabian Peninsula. It has since become the most commonly kept chameleon in the pet trade.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- The Reptile Database
- Valid species Chamaeleo calyptratus Duméril & Bibron, 1851, with two subspecies (C. c. calyptratus and C. c. calcarifer)2
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Veiled Chameleon. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Fresh waterevery day
- Temperature checkCheck the warm and cool endsevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- FeedingHow often depends on species and agevaries
- SupplementsCalcium and vitamin dusting as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- UVB bulb changeMany UVB bulbs fade before they stop glowing, follow the maker's adviceevery 6 months
- Weigh inevery month
- Full cleanevery month
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Veiled chameleon - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, range, size, lifespan, body, colours, behaviour, diet, IUCN, fun facts
- Chamaeleo calyptratus - The Reptile Database reptile-database.reptarium.czused for taxonomy, subspecies, distribution, names, history
- Veiled Chameleon Care Sheet - ReptiFiles reptifiles.comused for care, habitat, diet, social needs, size, lifespan, temperament
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.