Rhampholeon spectrum

Taxobox
name = "Rhampholeon"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
subordo = Sauria
familia = Chamaeleonidae
genus = "Rhampholeon"
species = "R. spectrum"
binomial = "Rhampholeon spectrum"
binomial_authority = Buchholz, 1874

The Spectral Pygmy Chameleon ("Rhampholeon spectrum") is one of the so-called "dwarf chameleons", aka "leaf chameleons", from mainland Africa.

They are small, not exceeding 4" (10 cm), with a very short, albeit prehensile, tail. They tend to frequent the ground and low shrubbery in forested areas.

They are capable of color change, but generally in somber shades of tan to gray. They have a ventral stripe from the eye to above the base of the tail which, however, is not always displayed in lieu of plain ground colors. They are capable of quite striking coloration in the form of streaks and blotches.

In spite of their small size, plain color, and often terrestrial habits, they are otherwise very much like their larger chameleon cousins in possessing independently rotating eye sockets, opposable digits on the front and back feet, and a projectile tongue.

The spectrum seems to prefer cooler temperatures, e.g. room temperature, and doesn't seem to require direct sun or a basking area, although bright shade is appreciated. They don't use water pans and should be misted directly once or twice a day, and their habitat should be fairly moist as well. They eat small invertebrates, such as pinhead crickets or fruit flies.

They are extremely sedentary, but relatively easy to care for, given the above parameters, and require little space: a 5 to 10 gallon enclosure is large enough for one individual. Small green plants, such as ferns, should be provided for climbing and humidification, although dry twigs are also used. Although said to be non-territorial (unlike other chameleons), it is suggested to keep them separately.

Males may be differentiated from females by the wider tail base. Their reproductive habits are poorly known.