Critter Intros: Veiled Chameleon

• Common Name: Veiled Chameleon (or Yemen Chameleon)

• Scientific Name: Chamaeleo calyptratus

• Conservation Status: Least Concern

• Habitat: Arboreal (tree-dwelling) species native to the semi-arid and tropical regions of the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, living in mountain plateaus, valleys, and shrublands.

• Size: Males are large, up to 24 inches (61 centimeters) in total length; females are smaller, up to about 14 inches (35 centimeters).

The veiled chameleon is one of the largest and most recognizable chameleons, known for the prominent, cone-shaped crest—or casque—on its head. This casque is not just decorative; it helps channel dew and rainwater down to the lizard's mouth for drinking in its dry native habitat. Like all chameleons, it possesses remarkable adaptations, including a prehensile tail for grasping, zygodactylous feet (fused toes for gripping branches), and independently swiveling eyes. While famous for changing color, this is primarily used for communication, stress response, and temperature regulation, rather than pure camouflage. Primarily an insectivore, the veiled chameleon hunts using its incredibly long, sticky, and fast-projecting tongue, which can be extended up to twice its body length to snatch prey from a distance. Males are highly territorial and display brighter colors to assert dominance.

Check out more!