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Vitamin D and its relationship to proper lighting is a given so...

I was wondering if the chameleon knows that it is having a diffiency and will bask longer in a UV-B lightsource if needed? the reason that i am asking is I am almost done building a new cage and it is 6 foot tall. I know that the floresent bulbs only provide UV to about 12 inches or so. will he stay at the top and get enough UV if needed? or do i need to provide Vit supplement or figure out the mercury vapor options?

scott

Chameleons have a parietal eye on their forehead that measure UV wavelength, but I am not sure if they will "bask" under a UV source. Keep the basking spot about 10" from the UVB light, and it will be fine, because chameleons tend to spend a lot of time under their light (mostly when basking). My chameleon doesn't stray much from his light, he will hang out in the sq. ft. around the light most of the day, and then go up and down his plants.

Funny you should ask. I was just re-reading a paper by Gary Ferguson fro Texas Christian Iniv. in Zoo Biology. He says "Female panther chameleons are attracted to UV light, and if theyu are provided with a light gradient containing a substantial portion of UVB they appear able to adjust their exposure based on dietary vitamin D intake." In other words, they self-select the amount of UVB they need based on their vitamin D requirements.

The short answer to your question is: yes, it's OK. Obviously there may be species differences but it's likely that your set up will be fine. In fact, the same paper suggests that too much UVB is harmful.
Ed