Species Fact Profile: Meller's Chameleon (Trioceros melleri)

Meller's Chameleon

Trioceros melleri (Gray, 1865)

Range: East Africa (Tanzania to Mozambique)
Habitat: Woodland, Savannah
Diet: Insects, Spiders, Occasionally Small Lizards and Birds
Reproduction: Females use color changes to let males know if they are ready to breed.  Females may store sperm from the male for several months, using it to fertilize multiple clutches.  Up to 80 eggs are laid in a hole in the ground, which is then covered up with leaves.
Social Grouping: Solitary
Lifespan: 12 Years (Wild)
Conservation Status: IUCN Least Concern, CITES Appendix II

• One of the world’s largest chameleons, and the largest on the African mainland.  Body length 60-75 centimeters, with the tail representing one-third of the length.  Weigh up to 600 grams.  Females generally smaller than males.  Stout body, relatively small head, and short crest
• A small horn protrudes from the tip of the snout (often not seen in captive chameleons), believed to be used by males to compete for females.  Like other chameleons, have fused toes to allow a better grip for climbing and eyes capable of rotating independently
• Sexes look alike.  Base coloration is bright forest green and white or yellow stripes, with brown and black spots of varying size.  Like other chameleons, they can change their color, but do not do so to blend in with their environment, but to communicate with each other, as well as a result of changes in temperature, health, or reproductive status
• Projectile tongue can extend up to 50 centimeters and is used to capture prey
• Named after botanist Charles James Meller
• Known for its extreme delicacy in the pet trade, sometimes referred to as “the 90 day chameleon” due to its short lifespan with many collectors.  This is largely due to the earliest animals available being wild caught with heavy parasite loads, extreme stress.  Captive-bred individuals are now available, but still recommended for only experienced caretakers.