Hi, this is not by any means a scientific explanations of Chameleons, I'm just spouting this out.
What does the term "true chameleon" refer to? I've heard it used many times but can never figure out exactly what it means.
In the 1950s, 60s and into the 1970s common Anoles found in the southern United States we're sold at fairs, pet shops, circuses and carnivals as pets. They had a collar attached to them and could be attached to your shirt. Because they could change color, they came to be incorrectly called Chameleons. "True Chameleons" however refer to the group of old world animals hailing from Africa, Europe, and the middle east that all share some physical capabilities that make them some of the most unique animals in the world. They have prehensile tails like monkeys and lemurs. The tails are used like another appendage in order to hang from tree branches, ... . They are able to "shoot" their tongues to capture prey. They have large pivoting eyes that operate independly from each other. They have "Zygotic" feet that are used like hands to cling to branches. The feet have 2 toes on one side and three toes on the other side. The back feet are reversed from the front feet in regard to which side the three toes are on. There may be other physical attributes that seperate Chameleons from other animals animals, I don't know.
How and why do chameleons change colors? There's been much debate about this in our office, mostly because everyone is researching in different places and getting differing information, and partly because we're educators and not scientists and don't understand a lot of it.
"Chameleons change color to match their background." This statement is one of the biggest myths regarding Chameleons. Chameleons change color accord to their mood. By moving different pigments to different parts of their bodies, the skin changes different colors. Chameleons change color when they are trying to attract a mate, when they are angry, or when they are frightened.
How much and how often should I be dusting my crickets? Is there a certain brand or mix that's better?
There are some dusting powders that are intended to be used everyday. However, if the product does not specifically state that it is intended for everyday use, then everyday is way too often. I use Repcal Phosphurus free Calcium with vitamin D for dusting. I dust twice a week with this. Once a week, I add a vitamin product also. This is Repcal Herptivite.
What is the optimum temperature for a veiled's basking spot?
Veiled prefer a hot basking spot of 85 to 88 degrees. The heat light should not measure more than 100 degrees right next to the light.
And how fast do veiled's grow?
Veileds are like people, they come in all sizes and grow at different rates.
Watch your e-mail for a Veiled Chameleon Care Sheet.
