Parson's chameleon (Calumma parsonii)

Short answers

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

120×80×150 cm for one adult animal (at least 120×60×120 cm; a giant species, larger is always better).

Parson's chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C (seasonally 18–27 °C), basking spot 26–30 °C (moderate, do not overheat), at night 15–20 °C (ideally below 18 °C).

Parson's chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

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

Parson's chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 10–20+ years (very long-lived, a long-term commitment).

Parson's chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C (seasonally 18–27 °C)

Night temperature

15–20 °C (ideally below 18 °C)

Basking spot

26–30 °C (moderate, do not overheat)

Humidity

60–80 % during the day, close to 100 % at night (fogging)

UVB

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

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×80×150 cm for one adult animal (at least 120×60×120 cm; a giant species, larger is always better)

Substrate

Rainforest substrate (humus, leaf litter), very sturdy climbing branches, large plants; strong air movement and ventilation (a canopy climate)

Feeding

Food

Insects: large crickets, locusts, roaches; insects only, no fruit or vegetables; dusted with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week or every other day, juveniles daily (eats a lot, grows slowly)

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 50–68 cm total length (males; one of the largest chameleons in the world)

Life expectancy

approx. 10–20+ years (very long-lived, a long-term commitment)

Origin

Eastern and north-eastern Madagascar, humid (montane) rainforest

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B – specially protected: proof of origin plus registration required; IUCN "Near Threatened", with export heavily restricted or temporarily blocked – prefer captive-bred animals

Brumation

No brumation; cooler nights (below 18 °C) and a moderate seasonal drop matter; it copes badly with heat

Cohabitation

Keep them singly. Territorial and solitary – "should generally be housed separately". Only briefly and under supervision for breeding. NEVER keep males together

Notes

Robust, but very demanding because of its size, space requirement, cool nights, strong air movement and a 20-plus-year commitment. A heavy drinker – automatic misting or fogging is needed. Conditions that are too warm or stuffy are the commonest mistake.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Parson's chameleon (Calumma parsonii) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Amber Mountain chameleon (Calumma ambreense) – Expert
• Andringitra chameleon (Calumma andringitraense) – Expert
• Side-striped chameleon (Calumma gastrotaenia) – Intermediate
• Amber Mountain chameleon (Calumma amber) – Intermediate to expert
• Boettger's chameleon (Calumma boettgeri) – Intermediate
• Capuron's chameleon (Calumma capuroni) – Expert
• Forked chameleon (Calumma furcifer) – Expert
• Glaw's chameleon (Calumma glawi) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Parson's chameleon (Calumma parsonii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×80×150 cm for one adult animal (at least 120×60×120 cm; a giant species, larger is always better)), substrate (Rainforest substrate (humus, leaf litter), very sturdy climbing branches, large plants; strong air movement and ventilation (a canopy climate)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.