Quilensis chameleon (Chamaeleo quilensis)

Short answers

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

50×50×80 cm for one animal — airflow matters more than a tight seal.

Quilensis chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot 32–34 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Quilensis chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).

Quilensis chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 4–8 years.

Quilensis chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–30 °C

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 32–34 °C

Humidity

50–70 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

50×50×80 cm for one animal — airflow matters more than a tight seal

Substrate

Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches and flies in rotation, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults every other day

Key facts

Adult size

15–22 cm

Life expectancy

4–8 years

Origin

Southern Africa

Protection status

CITES II — proof of origin required

Brumation

No winter rest; cooler in winter

Cohabitation

Strictly single — chameleons are not group animals. The reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot 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

A widespread savannah species, robust for a chameleon.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Quilensis chameleon (Chamaeleo quilensis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• African chameleon (Chamaeleo africanus) – Intermediate
• Anchieta's chameleon (Chamaeleo anchietae) – Intermediate
• Arabian chameleon (Chamaeleo arabicus) – Intermediate
• Graceful chameleon (Chamaeleo gracilis) – Intermediate
• Common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) – Intermediate
• Smooth chameleon (Chamaeleo laevigatus) – Intermediate
• Indian chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus) – Intermediate
• Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Quilensis chameleon (Chamaeleo quilensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×50×80 cm for one animal — airflow matters more than a tight seal), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.