Size Males can grow up to
20". Females are typically about half the size of males.
Appearance Their bodies
are flattened from side to side, and more or less
leaf-shaped.
The Panther Chameleon eyes can move and focus independent from
each other and give a nearly 360 degree view of the surroundings.
They are therefore able to look in any direction, and even follow
moving objects, without turning their heads or shifting body
position.
Chameleons have very specialized feet. On each foot the five
toes are fused into a group of two and a group of three, giving the
foot a tong-like or pincer appearance. These specialized feet allow
chameleons to grip tightly to narrow branches.
The Pather Chameleon has a prehensile tail
which is used like a fifth leg.
The tongue can be 1 1/2 times the length of
the body, with a sticky tip on the end to catch it's
prey.
Coloration and pattern are unique to the
region from which they live. Blue Panther Chameleons come from the
areas of Nosy Be and Ambanja. Antsiranana and Sambava are red,
green or orange. The areas of Maroantsetra and Tamatave are
primarily red specimens. Males are more vibrantly colored. Females
from all regions normally remain tan to brown, but with variations
in pattern.
Contrary to popular belief, chameleons cannot
display limitless colors and do not change colors in a camouflage
response to their surroundings. Instead, their color changes is a
response to temperature, light, and mood.
Diet They eat locusts, mantis, crickets, grasshopper and other insects.
Reproduction Males reach sexual maturity at about 7 months of age, and will become territorial towards other males. Females also reach sexual maturity at 7 months of age. Breeding occurs October through March. Females have 4-6 clutches per year, laying 10-40 eggs at a time.
Range There are many
different Panther Chameleon locales throughout
Madagascar.
Habitat The Panther Chameleon
are arboreal, preferring to live in trees, bushes, or shrubs. They
may be found much closer to the forest floor than many other
chameleons.
I want to thank FLCHAMS
for the use of the Panther Chameleon pictures.