The world of chameleons is a mesmerizing tapestry of colors, adaptations, and behaviors. Among these fascinating creatures, the female veiled chameleon also known as Chamaeleo Calyptratus stands out with its unique traits and captivating charm.

In this blog, we will examine female veiled chameleons’ behavior, habitat requirements, and the delights and challenges of pet ownership to have them as a pet.

Nurturing the Nature of Female Veiled Chameleons

The veiled chameleon, a fascinating reptile, showcases distinct differences between male and female appearances. There are differences based on size, color, casque, and more. Let’s learn more elaborately!

Difference Between Male and Female Appearance

Native to Yemen, Male veiled chameleons boast vibrant hues, displaying striking shades of green, blue, and yellow. Their bodies are generally larger, with noticeable differences for breeders selecting ideal breeding pairs. casques (helmet-like structures) on their heads. In contrast, females feature the same coloration, often displaying shades of green and brown. These help them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings for camouflage. 

Additionally, females possess a smaller casque and lack the bold coloration of their male counterparts. These differences in coloration and physical characteristics help enthusiasts and researchers easily distinguish between male and female veiled chameleons. 

Size

One of the most frequently asked inquiries is how large a female chameleon can grow. Adult female veiled chameleons are generally smaller than males. While males can reach a length starting from 18 inches to 24 inches, females tend to be more compact, measuring around 10 to 13 inches in length, important for a keeper to understand when preparing to house them. 

Coloration

When it’s about veiled chameleon males vs. females, females have bodies that have colors of green, yellow, and brown that act as a camouflage technique in their native habitat. However, the intensity and patterns of coloration can vary among individuals, making it essential to consider multiple physical features for accurate sex determination.

Casque

Both male and female veiled chameleons possess the distinctive casque, a helmet-like structure on top of their heads. However, the casque’s size and shape may differ slightly between the sexes of the lizards. In some cases, the casque of a mature male might be larger and more pronounced compared to that of a female. 

Behavioral Patterns

Female veiled chameleons are primarily solitary creatures, much like their male counterparts. They tend to prefer their own company. In fact, they may feel threatened or stressed when in close proximity to other chameleon species, especially if they are of the same sex. 

She may exhibit various defensive behaviors. These behaviors include changing her color patterns, hissing, lunging, and even gaping her mouth open. But, female chameleons are more calm and friendlier than males. They are calm enough to deal with other chameleons inside their cages to some level.

So, if you are a chameleon lover or enjoy having two chameleons in close proximity, the female chameleon is less likely to try to kill its companion.

Mating and Reproduction

Like many species, female veiled chameleons engage in specific behaviors related to mating and courtship. In some cases, they may move closer to a courting male, allowing him to approach without displaying aggressive postures, which is key in veiled chameleon husbandry. But naturally, female veiled chameleons tend to be shy.

Courtship rituals between males and females involve a series of complex behaviors, and of course, reproduction is a clear distinction because only the female produces eggs from which the hatchling emerges. 

If you’re interested in offering chameleons for sale or have baby chameleons available to showcase to your friends, the female chameleon becomes an excellent choice.

As a result, a female veiled chameleon is more profitable than a male chameleon, especially when considering the ability to lay her eggs. But if your female chameleon does not have the best possible environment, she may become egg-bound. Egg binding occurs when a female chameleon has eggs, but she is unwilling or unable to lay eggs. Special care needs to be taken during that time.

Learn how to create the perfect DIY chameleon habitat.

Simple Ways to Identify Veiled Chameleons Gender

Identifying the sex of veiled chameleons involves closely observing their physical characteristics and behaviors. Since male veiled chameleons are born with spurs on their hind legs, sexing one is not too challenging. In a similar vein, we are providing a few vital methods to identify if the chameleon is male or female.

Tarsal Spurs

Adult males have tarsal spurs, which are small, claw-like structures located on the back of their hind heels. Females do not possess tarsal spurs. These structures are more easily observed as the chameleons mature.

Cloacal Pores

This method is more applicable to older chameleons. Males typically have larger, more prominent cloacal pores than females. These pores are located near the base of the tail and are used for reproductive purposes. However, this method may require experienced handling and observation.

Tail Length

In some cases, males may have slightly longer tails compared to females. This distinction may not be as noticeable as other characteristics and should be considered along with other indicators.

Perfect Age To Identify Gender

The good news is, that figuring out the gender of your veiled chameleon isn’t very hard. Male chameleons are born with spurs on their back legs. These spurs are small bumps found between their toes that point backward. They help males balance during mating. Female chameleons, on the other hand, don’t have these spurs.

When your chameleon is about five months old, it becomes easier to tell their gender. By this age, male chameleons are already bigger than females. They also have a larger crest on their head, known as a casque. Males will show vibrant and aggressive colors as they mature.

However, it’s important to remember that even though you can determine their gender at five months, chameleons are not fully grown. If you’re thinking about breeding them, it’s best to wait until the female is at least one year old.

Female Veiled Chameleon’s Diet

The diet of a female veiled chameleon consists primarily of insects. These insects should be gut-loaded with nutritious foods before feeding. You can dust vitamins minerals and calcium supplements onto the insects to maintain bone health and overall well-being. Adequate hydration is crucial, achieved through misting the enclosure and providing a water source.

Diet For Baby Chameleons

Baby veiled chameleons thrive on small insects like fruit flies and pinhead crickets, offered 2-3 times daily. As they grow, juveniles should be fed slightly larger prey, such as small crickets and mealworms, once daily, ensuring the food items are no larger than the width of the chameleon’s head.

Diet For Adult Female Veiled Chameleons

Adult female veiled chameleons require a varied diet that includes crickets, roaches, and occasional treats like waxworms or hornworms, fed every other day to maintain health without overfeeding. All stages benefit from food dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements to support proper growth and prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Monitoring her eating patterns and adjusting her diet as she matures and during gravid periods ensures her health and reproductive success. Here’s a list of what you can and cannot feed a female veiled chameleon.

What Insects Should Be Fed	What Plants Should Be Fed	What Insects Should Not Be Fed	What Plants Should Not Be Fed
Insects (Crickets & Dubia Roaches)	Greens (Endive, Collard greens, Mustard greens, Turnip greens, Escarole, Dandelion greens, Hibiscus)	Big sized bird	Avocado
Worms (Hornworms Silkworms)	Vegetables (Carrots, Squash, Watercress, Sweet potato, Sweet red peppers, Zucchini, Cucumber)	Big sized Mouse	Broccoli
Pinky Mouse (treats only)	Fruits (Pears, Strawberry, Apple, Melon, Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Grapes, Mango)		Spinach and Tomatoes

Here is a more in-depth explaination on the diet of a chameleon.

Female Veiled Chameleon Care Sheet

When it comes to nurturing and caring for our lovely female veiled chameleons, creating a cozy and accommodating home is key. The ideal cage size for a veiled chameleon is a minimum of 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 48 inches tall. 

Start with a spacious vertical screen enclosure, at least three times as tall as it is wide. This allows them to climb freely and explore different levels, mimicking their natural arboreal habitat. Proper airflow is crucial, so mesh or screened enclosures are ideal.

Installing Branches and Plants

Inside their haven, provide plenty of climbing branches of varying thickness and textures. Driftwood, sanitized vines, and ficus branches are all excellent choices.  Don’t forget to include live, non-toxic plants like pothos or Schefflera to create a lush environment and maintain humidity.

Maintaining Humidity

Speaking of humidity, aim for a range of 50-70% for veiled chameleons. Invest in a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and consider a misting system or regular hand-misting with lukewarm water to achieve the desired range.

Installing a UVB Light

Lighting is vital for their well-being. Install a linear UVB light fixture along the top of the enclosure.  This provides essential UVB rays for vitamin D3 synthesis, which is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health.  Choose a UVB bulb appropriate for the length of your enclosure, ensuring the basking area receives the recommended UVB strength.

Next to the UVB light, place a basking bulb or heat lamp to create a warm zone within the enclosure, and consider implementing a dripper system for hydration, as veiled chameleons need consistent moisture.

Maintaining a Basking Temperature

Aim for a basking spot temperature between 80-85°F (26-29°C).  Use a deep dome lamp fixture with a ceramic heat emitter or halogen bulb to provide this heat source.

Remember, distance from the bulb affects the temperature, so adjust the placement to achieve the correct basking temperature.  

A digital thermometer with a probe will help the keeper monitor both the basking area and the cooler areas of the enclosure, ensuring a suitable environment for veiled chameleons to live.

How to Breed Female Veiled Chameleon?

Veiled chameleons are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs to reproduce. Here’s a breakdown of their mating and egg-laying process:

Mating

• Maturity: Of course, she has to be an adult veiled chameleon. Females should be at least a year old before breeding to ensure their bodies are developed enough.
• Signs of Readiness: Females nearing ovulation might show brighter colors and become more receptive to males. Males will display their vibrant colors and bob their heads to attract females.
• The Act: Mating can be stressful for females, so proper enclosure size and hiding spots are crucial. The male grasps the female’s back and inserts sperm packets.

Egg Laying

• Preparation: After mating, females develop eggs over several weeks. Provide an egg-laying bin filled with a suitable substrate like damp sand or a soil mix for them to dig and lay eggs.
• Laying Process: The female will become restless and might lose her appetite before laying. She’ll dig in the bin, lay 20-30 eggs, and carefully cover them.
• Post-Laying: After laying, the female needs proper care and calcium supplementation to replenish what she used for eggshell formation.

Breeding Considerations

• Breeding chameleons requires responsibility and knowledge. Here’s what to consider before breeding:
• Planning: Research proper chameleon care, including nutrition, temperature, and enclosure size. Ensure you can handle the commitment of raising hatchlings.
• Veterinarian Check: Get a health check for both males and females before breeding.
• Finding a Mate: If you don’t have a male, locate a reputable breeder for a healthy mate.

Challenges of Petting Female Veiled Chameleons

Having a pet chameleon is a rewarding experience, but having a female veiled chameleon comes with responsibilities and obligations. It’s important to focus on getting the temperature, humidity, and lighting just right.

These factors play a big role in keeping your female veiled chameleon happy. Feeding a well-balanced diet and monitoring their health are essential aspects of maintaining their well-being.

Additionally, these chameleons can display territorial behavior and may not tolerate handling well, making interaction with them more challenging. Overall, successfully caring for a female veiled chameleon involves a thorough understanding of their unique behaviors and needs.

Female Veiled Chameleon FAQs 

What is the lifespan of a female veiled chameleon?

Female veiled chameleons typically live up to five years in captivity when provided with proper care and habitat conditions.

Do veiled female chameleons bite? 

Veiled and Panther chameleons bite more frequently than other species. Males bite more often than females.

How long does a chameleon stay pregnant? 

Chameleons can give birth to eight to thirty young at once following a four to six-month pregnancy period.