Pygmy Chameleon
A Few Facts About The Pygmy Chameleon
The pygmy chameleon is, by definition, a very small chameleon. There are several pygmy varieties, with most males measuring 4 to 5 inches in length, including the tail, and females being about half that long. The species Rhamopholen brevicaudatus, is the most common pygmy kept as a pet, and is one of the smallest variants, typically measuring just over 3 inches. Most of the pygmy species, including R. brevicaudatus, originated in West Africa, or on the island of Madagascar. They have a lifespan of from 2 to 5 years.
The diet of the pygmy chameleon is typical chameleon fare, with crickets being a favorite food. Wax worms and fruit flies also are readily consumed by the reptile. When feeding the pygmies, most owners dust the insects with nutritional supplements, to give their pets the nutrients they need to remain in good health. It's important to give the chameleon the number of insects it will normally eat in a short time. Too many insects in its enclosure at one time can stress the reptile. Like their larger cousins, the pygmy chameleon prefers running water, and will generally avoid still water in a dish or bowl. If you have plants in the enclosure, which you should, misting them a couple of times a day can give your pet a good supply of water.
Many varieties of the pygmy chameleon cannot tolerate temperatures much above room temperature, something you need to keep in mind when purchasing one of these animals. Temperature requirements differ from variety to variety, so you'll need to find out what temperatures your particular variety can tolerate. A good selection of plant life in its enclosure, some sphagnum moss that can be kept moistened, and the location of the enclosure itself, can all contribute to maintaining a temperature range appropriate to the chameleon. An enclosure with aluminum screening is best for good air circulation though, unlike the larger chameleons, the pygmies often do quite fine in a glass enclosure. Whatever approach you take, make certain that their living quarters are accessible for cleaning purposes.
Whereas a larger chameleon will hiss at you if it feels threatened, or you pick it up, the strategy of the pygmy is to play dead. This is called akineses. How long it will remain in such a state, you'll have to find our on your own. Another tactic is that it will vibrate or buzz, though no one seems to know what the purpose behind that strategy is.
You will probably read that, unlike larger chameleons, more than one pygmy chameleon can be placed in the same enclosure. Again, that depends upon the variety. In general, it isn't a good idea to place two males together. A male and female work better. Of course little chameleons will be a likely result. The female will either be receptive to the male or ignore him until the time is right. Of the various chameleon species, the pygmy is possibly the easiest to keep, one of the easiest to breed, and might be the right choice if you've never had a chameleon as a pet before.