Reptoria

Warty chameleon (Furcifer verrucosus)

Warty chameleon (Furcifer verrucosus) in a terrarium

Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Warty chameleon (Furcifer verrucosus) (origin: Southern and south-western Madagascar (drier regions, spiny and dry forest)). Adult size around Males usually 45–50 cm, up to ~56 cm; females approx. 21–35 cm total length. Life expectancy approx. 5–10 years in captivity. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

100×60×120 cm for one adult male (a large, tall enclosure; gauze on two sides).

Warty chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C (ambient max. ~30 °C), basking spot 33–38 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Warty chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5; a sun-loving dry-country species).

Warty chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 5–10 years in captivity.

Warty chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
26–30 °C (ambient max. ~30 °C)
Night temperature
18–22 °C
Basking spot
33–38 °C
Humidity
60–80 %
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5; a sun-loving dry-country species)

Enclosure

Minimum size
100×60×120 cm for one adult male (a large, tall enclosure; gauze on two sides)
Substrate
A sand-soil or humus mix, robust planting (ficus, schefflera), plenty of climbing branches; good ventilation

Feeding

Food
Insects: house crickets, crickets, locusts, roaches; dusted with calcium and vitamins
Feeding interval
adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size
Males usually 45–50 cm, up to ~56 cm; females approx. 21–35 cm total length
Life expectancy
approx. 5–10 years in captivity
Origin
Southern and south-western Madagascar (drier regions, spiny and dry forest)
Protection status
CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B – specially protected: proof of origin plus registration required; export quotas
Brumation
No real winter rest; a cooler, drier rest period (a dry season) with reduced feeding makes sense
Cohabitation
Keep them singly. Territorial; the males fight fiercely, and permanent housing together means stress and injuries. NEVER keep males together; mate them only briefly and under supervision

Notes

One of the more robust Furcifer species; it takes warmth and dryness better. It needs plenty of space, height and good ventilation. A common mistake: a terrarium that is too small or too stuffy. Mist or water it twice a day.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Warty chameleon (Furcifer verrucosus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×60×120 cm for one adult male (a large, tall enclosure; gauze on two sides)), substrate (A sand-soil or humus mix, robust planting (ficus, schefflera), plenty of climbing branches; good ventilation), 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/Warty_chameleon, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Furcifer&species=verrucosus, https://www.madcham.de/en/furcifer-verrucosus/

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).