Post by Ceratodromeus on Jun 13, 2015 0:43:03 GMT 5
Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Sauria
Family: Chamaeleonidae
Genus: Chamaeleo
Species: C. dilepis
Description:
The flap necked chameleon is a medium sized species of lizard. Standard coloration is a leafy green, typically with a large white spot located on the side of the animal. Yellow and dark green spotting can also be found on these lizards, but vary from individual to individual. Of course, characteristic of all chameleons, C. dilepis can change coloration depending on environmental factors. Healthy adults range from 50-142mm(1.9-5.7in) in snout-vent length but typically fall in the 90-90mm(3.5-3.7in) range. Tail lengths can be just as long as snout to vent lengths, (measuring 141mm/5.6in in large individuals) giving the largest animals a total body length of 10-11 inches. The species is sexually dimorphic, with females reaching far larger sizes then the males; the largest recorded females measure 162mm(6.3in) snout-vent length, while the largest males measure 126mm(4.9in) in snout-vent length.{1}
Geographic range:
This lizard can be found throughout the forests of Subsaharan Africa.
Dietary habits:
Various reports show that the flap necked chameleon is primarily insectivorious. Molluscs, Beetles, grasshoppers, snails, spiders, butterflies, dragonflies, winged termites, various flying insects, and small lizards(geckos, skinks, young flap necked chameleons) have all been documented in the diet of C. dilepsis. Vertebrate prey is uncommon, making up a small (~5%) of the species' diet.{1}
Reproduction:
The smallest sexually mature male recorded was 60mm(2.3in)snout-vent length and the smallest sexually mature female was 80mm(3.1in) snout-vent length. Mating occurs in November, and the eggs are laid in soil substrate approximately 60 days later. Clutch size is relatively large, with as many as 74 eggs being laid.{1} Typical clutch size is ~40 eggs.
Reference:
{1}Reaney, Leeann T., et al. "Ecology of the flap-necked chameleon Chamaeleo dilepis in southern Africa." Breviora (2012): 1-18.
