Usambara pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon temporalis)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Usambara pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon temporalis) (origin: The East Usambara Mountains, north-eastern Tanzania – rainforest). Adult size around ~7–9 cm with the tail. Life expectancy ~2–3 years (approx. 2.5). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Usambara pygmy chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
50×30×40 cm planted (more space is welcome).
Usambara pygmy chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–25 °C (max. 25; above 26 °C is lethal), at night 18–22 °C.
Usambara pygmy chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Low UVB recommended (Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–2).
Usambara pygmy chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: ~2–3 years (approx. 2.5).
Usambara pygmy chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–25 °C (max. 25; above 26 °C is lethal)
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 70–90 % with constant fresh air
- UVB
- Low UVB recommended (Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–2)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 50×30×40 cm planted (more space is welcome)
- Substrate
- A damp coco, peat and leaf substrate, planted, with fallen leaves
Feeding
- Food
- Small insects: fruit flies, small crickets or house crickets, springtails
- Feeding interval
- adults 3–4×/week, juveniles daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- ~7–9 cm with the tail
- Life expectancy
- ~2–3 years (approx. 2.5)
- Origin
- The East Usambara Mountains, north-eastern Tanzania – rainforest
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B; usually wild-caught, proof of origin required
- Brumation
- No winter rest
- Cohabitation
- A group is possible given enough space and dense planting – only one male per enclosure; never keep males together
Notes
Sensitive to heat (temperatures above about 25–26 °C are dangerous). Purely an animal to watch, not to handle. Usually wild-caught → quarantine. A small species, where mistakes quickly turn fatal.
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Related species
- Boulenger's pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon boulengeri) – Expert
- Chapman's pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon chapmanorum) – Expert
- Gorongosa pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon gorongosae) – Expert
- Green pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon viridis) – Intermediate
- Marshall's pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon marshalli) – Expert
- Moyer's pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon moyeri) – Expert
- Nchisi pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon nchisiensis) – Expert
- Nguru pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon acuminatus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Usambara pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon temporalis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×30×40 cm planted (more space is welcome)), substrate (A damp coco, peat and leaf substrate, planted, with fallen leaves), 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_temporalis
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).