Graceful chameleon
| Graceful chameleon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chameleo gracilis. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Lacertilia |
| Family: | Chamaeleonidae |
| Genus: | Chamaeleo |
| Species: | C. gracilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Chamaeleo gracilis Hallowell, 1844 | |
| Synonyms | |
The Graceful chameleon, Chamaeleo gracilis is a species of chameleon native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is commonly around a foot long. Because of its abundance, it is heavily exploited by the pet trade.[1]
Range
The Graceful chameleon inhabits much of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Angola in the south and Ethiopia in the east. It mostly lives in forests, though it tolerates bushy areas near plantations and savanna.[1]
Description
It is often green, yellow, or brown, with a green stripe on its side.[1] Although it is usually a foot long, it can grow up to 15 inches in length.[2]
Behavior
The Graceful chameleon is diurnal; it hunts for prey during the morning and evening, while it rests in the shade during the hottest part of the day. Males are very territorial, and often threaten each other with colorful displays.[1] It eats insects,[2] and can live up to 10 years in captivity.[3]
Reproduction
It breeds twice per year, once in the dry season and again at the end of the wet season.[1] 20 to 50 eggs are laid per clutch.[1][2]