Reptoria

Chapman's pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon chapmanorum)

Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Chapman's pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon chapmanorum) (origin: The Malawi Hills, Malawi). Adult size around 5–7 cm. Life expectancy 3–5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Chapman's pygmy chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×40×40 cm for a pair — floor area matters, not height.

Chapman's pygmy chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–25 °C, basking spot No basking spot — these species avoid direct sun, at night 16–19 °C.

Chapman's pygmy chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Weak UVB is enough (UVB 2.0–5.0), a ground-dweller living in shade.

Chapman's pygmy chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 3–5 years.

Chapman's pygmy chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature
20–25 °C
Night temperature
16–19 °C
Basking spot
No basking spot — these species avoid direct sun
Humidity
75–95 %, mist daily
UVB
Weak UVB is enough (UVB 2.0–5.0), a ground-dweller living in shade

Enclosure

Minimum size
40×40×40 cm for a pair — floor area matters, not height
Substrate
A deep layer of leaf litter on damp forest floor, plus moss and low twigs

Feeding

Food
Small insects such as fruit flies, firebrats and micro crickets, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
Feeding interval
adults daily to every other day

Key facts

Adult size
5–7 cm
Life expectancy
3–5 years
Origin
The Malawi Hills, Malawi
Protection status
CITES II, IUCN "Critically Endangered"
Brumation
No winter rest
Cohabitation
Pairing possible, never males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hiding places until one is injured or permanently confined to a corner. This applies to both sexes: two females don't work together either. Chameleons do not seek company, and an animal that constantly sees another eats less and becomes ill.

Notes

Its habitat has been almost entirely cleared. Not in the trade, and it does not belong in a terrarium.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Chapman's pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon chapmanorum) in the marketplace →

Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Chapman's pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon chapmanorum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×40 cm for a pair — floor area matters, not height), substrate (A deep layer of leaf litter on damp forest floor, plus moss and low twigs), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhampholeon, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhampholeon_chapmanorum

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).