Werner's three-horned chameleon (Trioceros werneri)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Werner's three-horned chameleon (Trioceros werneri) (origin: Tanzania – the Udzungwa and Uluguru Mountains). Adult size around 20–28 cm total length. Life expectancy 4–7 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Werner's three-horned chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×60×100 cm (mesh / height).
Werner's three-horned chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–26 °C (COOL), basking spot 28 °C, at night 12–17 °C.
Werner's three-horned chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0).
Werner's three-horned chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–7 years.
Werner's three-horned chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–26 °C (COOL)
- Night temperature
- 12–17 °C
- Basking spot
- 28 °C
- Humidity
- 65–85 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×60×100 cm (mesh / height)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, dense planting, fine climbing branches, a rain system
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, flies, wax moths
- Feeding interval
- daily to every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–28 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 4–7 years
- Origin
- Tanzania – the Udzungwa and Uluguru Mountains
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 8–10 weeks
- Cohabitation
- SINGLE HOUSING (avoid visual contact).
Notes
Live-bearing. A montane forest species with three horns in the male – it needs cool nights below 18 °C, otherwise metabolic problems follow. Summer heat above 28 °C is the commonest cause of losses.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Affinis chameleon (Trioceros affinis) – Expert
- Bale two-horned chameleon (Trioceros balebicornutus) – Expert
- Usambara three-horned chameleon (Trioceros deremensis) – Intermediate to expert
- Elliot's chameleon (Trioceros ellioti) – Intermediate
- Fea's chameleon (Trioceros feae) – Expert
- Goetze's chameleon (Trioceros goetzei) – Expert
- Harenna chameleon (Trioceros harennae) – Expert
- Von Höhnel's chameleon (Trioceros hoehnelii) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Werner's three-horned chameleon (Trioceros werneri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×60×100 cm (mesh / height)), substrate (Coco humus, dense planting, fine climbing branches, a rain system), 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/Trioceros_werneri, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trioceros&species=werneri
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).