Wavy Chameleon

About the Wavy Chameleon

Trioceros deremensis, the Usambara three-horned chameleon or wavy chameleon, is a species of chameleon that is endemic to forests in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The Usambara three-horned chameleon is found at an altitude of 800–2,300 m (2,600–7,500 ft) in the East Usambara (there is a single old record from West Usambara but it is doubtful the species occurs there), Uluguru, Nguu, Nguru, and Udzungwa Mountains, with its range covering about 1,400 km2 (540 sq mi). Each subpopulation is isolated and the species mostly occurs in forests (both the interior and at edges), but also in nearby hedges and plantations.

The Usambara three-horned chameleon has a sail-like ridge on the back and can reach up to 35 cm (14 in) in total length. Males grow larger than females. The male has three long horns, which presumably are used in fights between males (like in other horned chameleons). The horns first start to appear when still a juvenile at 10–12 cm (4–5 in) long. Females do not have horns.

It is typically green overall, often with a paler or darker pattern, and may also show some yellow. If irritated, it has black spots that can become quite prominent... Wikipedia →