Veiled Chameleon

About the Veiled Chameleon

The veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is a species of chameleon (family Chamaeleonidae) native to the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Other common names include cone-head chameleon, Yemen chameleon, and Yemeni chameleon. They are born pastel green and without their distinctive casques on their head. When newly hatched veiled chameleons are surprised, they may drop to the ground and turn a bright red color due to stress.

As they mature, their casque develops along with more vibrant coloring, as well as a dramatic gular fold that will protrude from their throat and chin. They are known for their variable color changes due to a variety of factors, including to show aggression, social status, reproduction, and stress. Female lifespan is around five years while male lifespan is around eight, and they breed a few times a year.

The term 'veiled chameleon' refers to the species Chamaeleo calyptratus. 'Veiled' describes their distinctive casque on the head, resembling a veil. This term highlights the species' unique feature. The generic term 'chameleon' is derived from the Greek 'χαμαιλέων' ('khamailéōn'), a compound of 'χαμαί' ('khamaí'), meaning 'low to... Wikipedia →