Carpet chameleon (Furcifer lateralis)

Short answers

Carpet chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×50×80 cm for one adult animal (at least 40×40×70 cm is quoted; larger is better).

Carpet chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot 30–33 °C, at night 15–18 °C (cooler in winter).

Carpet chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3).

Carpet chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 2–4 years (short-lived, females worn down by egg-laying).

Carpet chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

15–18 °C (cooler in winter)

Basking spot

30–33 °C

Humidity

60–80 % during the day, up to ~100 % at night

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3)

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×50×80 cm for one adult animal (at least 40×40×70 cm is quoted; larger is better)

Substrate

A humus soil or forest floor, densely planted (ficus, schefflera), plenty of fine climbing branches; gauze on two sides against stale air

Feeding

Food

Insects: house crickets, small crickets, flies, roaches, locusts; dusted with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 17–25 cm total length (a small species)

Life expectancy

approx. 2–4 years (short-lived, females worn down by egg-laying)

Origin

Endemic to Madagascar (the highlands / central Madagascar, widespread)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B – specially protected: proof of origin plus registration required; export quotas from Madagascar

Brumation

No real winter rest; a cooler, drier winter spell with a stronger night-time drop is recommended (it encourages reproduction)

Cohabitation

Single keeping. Males are aggressive towards each other and strongly territorial, females stress easily, and pairs can seriously injure each other. Keep adults singly; only hatchlings can be kept briefly in groups and are separated by size as they mature. Mating only briefly and under supervision, then separate again.

Notes

Small and adaptable, but very sensitive to climate mistakes; it dehydrates easily (fresh drinking water or droplets are needed). Common mistakes: too warm, too dry, and stuffy air. Not for beginners.

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Related species

• Angel's chameleon (Furcifer angeli) – Expert
• Antimena chameleon (Furcifer antimena) – Intermediate to expert
• Campan's chameleon (Furcifer campani) – Expert
• Unicorn chameleon (Furcifer monoceras) – Expert
• Forked chameleon (Furcifer bifidus) – Expert
• Belted chameleon (Furcifer balteatus) – Expert
• Minor chameleon (Furcifer minor) – Expert
• Labord's chameleon (Furcifer labordi) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Carpet chameleon (Furcifer lateralis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×50×80 cm for one adult animal (at least 40×40×70 cm is quoted; larger is better)), substrate (A humus soil or forest floor, densely planted (ficus, schefflera), plenty of fine climbing branches; gauze on two sides against stale air), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.