Description: Veiled Chameleons are mostly green or brown but display orange, yellow, white or blue spots. Their famous ability to change colour, while useful for camouflage, is mostly done when frightened, excited, defending territory or trying to attract a mate. The Veiled Chameleon has a large casque on top of its head that can grow up to 5 cm tall. A chameleon’s eyes can move independently, see in two directions at once and swivel nearly 180 degrees. It also has a long, sticky tongue that it shoots to catch its prey. It has grasping hands and a long prehensile tail that acts like a fifth limb. Males are usually bigger and are more striking than females.

Diet: Veiled Chameleons are insectivores but may also eat leaves as a source of water during the dry season.

Reproduction: Mating may occur more than once during the year. If a female is receptive to breeding, she changes colour – a strong indication to any nearby males that she is ready for courting. The male then displays to her by rolling his head or rubbing chins. About 18 hours after a successful mating, the female changes colour again. Up to a month later, she lays her eggs and buries them in the sand.

Threats: Veiled Chameleons are commonly bred for the pet trade, however, they are still taken from the wild and sold as souvenirs to tourists. They are also under threat from habitat loss.

At Perth Zoo: You can find the Veiled Chameleon in the Reptile Encounter.