Name:
Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)

Range:
These chameleons are located in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Basic information:

• Veiled chameleons are one of the hardiest of the old world chameleons.
• They have adapted to eat plant matter as well as insects.
• These species are a fairly good size (about 12-19 inches at 12 months for males, about 12 inches for females) and reach sexual maturity at about 6 months of age for the male, 4-6 months for the female.
• Veiled chameleons are extremely territorial and will fight to the death.
• Both subspecies have nasal salt glands. These secrete sodium, potassium, and chloride ions in concentrated form, it is found in reptiles who live in areas where water is scarce.
• You can tell the sex upon hatching with veiled chameleons. Males have a spur on their back feet while females do not.
• It seems that no two veiled chameleons are alike in coloration and pattern, this is even true among the same clutch
• The average life span so far in captivity is about 6 years for a male, and approximately up to 4 years for a female.

Selection:
First off, only buy captive bred veiled chameleons. Talk to breeders and pet store owners. The best is to find out about how they are caring for their chameleons. With what you find out from them, you are able to further help with your care and also help with your selection. When selecting a veiled chameleon, I personally believe that it is better to get one at a very young age (I got mine at 3 weeks old). At this age, they are able to adapt easier to the new environment that you are about to introduce them into, when you bring them home. Make sure they all look healthy, avoiding sunken eyes, bowed limbs, inflamation, crusty gunk around the mouth and in it, and such. I don't recommend handling it, at least not this young, but if you wish to, check to see if it has a good, strong grip. Don't buy a veiled chameleon without his tail, they do NOT grow them back!!! Also, it is wise to ask for them to feed the chameleon in front of you. This way you can tell if it has a good appetite, which also shows if it is healthy. Veiled chameleons are constantly hungry, trust me on that. If it doesn't eat, then something's wrong.

Which should you get, male or female? Personally, I find male veiled chameleons to be the easiest to care for. With females, you have to watch out for calcium levels in her diet, and you would also have to worry about it becoming egg bound. Females are somewhat lacking when it comes to coloration and size. They also don't have as long of a life span as males tend to because of the fact that many become egg bound and die off rather easily.

Interesting facts:
The veiled chameleon is one of the true, old world chameleons. These reptiles are known for their ability to change color rapidly. The chameleon does NOT change color to match whatever's around it! If the chameleon is on a green backdrop, it will not change green, and if it's on a brown backdrop, it will not turn brown. The chameleon changes colors to show it's mood. If the chameleon is aggitated, bothered, or defending it's territory, it will usually turn brilliant colors. A gravid female will show a certain color and pattern when a male is present. Also, the veiled chameleon is able to change darker or lighter depending on how much of the sun's heat is needed to be absorbed. The color change of a chameleon occurs through the movement of pigment in skin cells called chromatophores.