Reptiles · Squamata · Chamaeleonidae

Mediterranean Chameleon

Chamaeleo chamaeleon

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It is the only chameleon whose natural range reaches Europe. Its name comes from the Greek and means literally 'ground lion', a nod to its bearing despite its small size.

Weight

36 g on average

Size

20 cm – 40 cm

Lifespan

3 years

Diet

Insectivore

Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

SavannaTemperate forestInsectivore Diurnal Solitary Reptile Savanna Temperate forest

16countries 27parks5same family

Fun facts

It is the only chameleon native to Europe.
Its name means literally 'ground lion' in Greek.
Its eggs incubate for 10 to 12 months, one of the longest periods of any reptile.
distribuciónIt is the only chameleon native to continental Europe, occurring naturally in the south of the Iberian Peninsula.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (reptile)
Habitat & environment: Savannah, riverside habitats, woodland and scrub of the Mediterranean basin, the Iberian Peninsula where introduced, and parts of the Levant
Birth weight: Egg laid on the ground
Size at birth: Precocial and wholly independent on hatching, after 10-12 months of incubation
Sexual maturity: 8 months to 1 year depending on the source
Gestation / incubation: 10-12 months, among the longest incubations of any reptile
Litter / clutch size: 5 to 45 eggs per clutch (a single clutch a year)
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of up to 5 years in captivity

Sources consulted: Chameleon Forums; Animal Diversity Web; Animalia.bio; San Diego Zoo; AnAge (genomics.senescence.info); Wikipedia (Common chameleon); A-Z Animals