Common Flap Necked Chameleon – Chamaeleo dilepis
Size:
A large typical chameleon which may reach just over 300mm
Colour:
Typically a bright green, lime green to yellowish green with a distinctive white broken white stripe along the side of the body.
Habitat:
Favouring a wide range of habitats including coastal forest, grassland and suburban gardens. Juveniles can often be seen on tall green grasses and small bushes.
Field Notes:
Often seen crossing roads where they will hesitantly move in staggered chameleon type movements while raising their tail in the air. Sadly many are killed in the process by motor vehicles. Often picked up by passing motorists in an attempt to “rescue” them although these chameleons typically are not cared for and do not live long in stressful unfamiliar environments. When agitated they will inflate the body exposing a bright yellow/orange gular grooves along with black spots irregularly positioned across the body. The only chameleon in the region that lays eggs of which may take up to 12 months to hatch.