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Two-striped chameleon (Trioceros bitaeniatus)

Two-striped chameleon (Trioceros bitaeniatus), typical appearance of the species

Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Two-striped chameleon (Trioceros bitaeniatus) (origin: The East African highlands (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) at 2,000–4,000 m). Adult size around ~14–17 cm with the tail. Life expectancy ~2–5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Two-striped chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×50×80 cm, well ventilated and planted.

Two-striped chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 18–24 °C (montane species, cool; not above ~25 °C), basking spot small basking spot ~26–28 °C (local, do not overheat), at night 10–15 °C (a cool night-time drop is essential).

Two-striped chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4).

Two-striped chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: ~2–5 years.

Two-striped chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
18–24 °C (montane species, cool; not above ~25 °C)
Night temperature
10–15 °C (a cool night-time drop is essential)
Basking spot
small basking spot ~26–28 °C (local, do not overheat)
Humidity
60–80 % with drying-out phases
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4)

Enclosure

Minimum size
60×50×80 cm, well ventilated and planted
Substrate
A loose soil and coco humus mix, planted (a mountain meadow and scrub climate)

Feeding

Food
Small to medium insects: flies, small crickets or house crickets, roaches, meadow sweepings
Feeding interval
adults every other day, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size
~14–17 cm with the tail
Life expectancy
~2–5 years
Origin
The East African highlands (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) at 2,000–4,000 m
Protection status
CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B; usually wild-caught, proof of origin required
Brumation
No winter rest, but cool nights all year round; recreate the seasonal variation
Cohabitation
Keeping them singly is the standard (territorial, and the males fight). Experienced keepers sometimes put one male plus several females into large, heavily structured facilities with visual barriers – never keep males together

Notes

Live-bearing (ovoviviparous). Cool temperatures are essential – permanent warmth above about 26–28 °C quickly leads to death. A demanding montane species, usually wild-caught. Fewer species-specific care sheets, and some figures are derived from montane Trioceros.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Two-striped chameleon (Trioceros bitaeniatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×50×80 cm, well ventilated and planted), substrate (A loose soil and coco humus mix, planted (a mountain meadow and scrub 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.

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

Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Side-striped_chameleon, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trioceros&species=bitaeniatus

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).