Graceful chameleon


The graceful chameleon 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.

Geographic 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.

Description

C. gracilis is often green, yellow, or brown, with a green stripe on its side. Although it is usually a foot in total length, it can grow up to 15 inches in total length.

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. It eats insects, and can live up to 10 years in captivity.

Reproduction

C. gracilis breeds twice per year, once in the dry season and again at the end of the wet season. 20 to 50 eggs are laid per clutch.

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.
The subspecific name, etiennei, is in honor of Belgian physician and entomologist "Dr. Etienne" who assisted the Congo Expedition of the American Museum of Natural History.