Helmeted Chameleon

About the Helmeted Chameleon

Trioceros hoehnelii, commonly known as von Höhnel's chameleon, the helmeted chameleon, and the high-casqued chameleon, is a species of chameleon, a lizard in the family Chamaeleonidae. The species is native to eastern Africa.

Both the specific name, hoehnelii, and one of the common names, "von Höhnel's chameleon", are in honor of Austrian explorer Ludwig von Höhnel (1857–1942). T. hoehnelii is found in Kenya and Uganda. T. hoehnelii is a small to medium-size chameleon, growing up to 10 inches (25.4 cm) in total length (including tail). Coloration is highly variable across its geographic range. During morning hours, it may be seen basking in the sunlight, almost completely black in color to capture heat energy from the sunlight. This species has a single horn on the rostrum, a serrated back crest, and a spiny throat crest. Males are typically larger than females with a larger casque, horn, and enlarged tail base.

Most chameleons in east Africa tend to be territorial and the high-casqued chameleon is no different. If males are placed together, they will hiss at each other, turn black, and inflate their bodies... Wikipedia →