High-casqued chameleon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High-casqued chameleon |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Trioceros
|
| Species: |
hoehnelii
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The von Höhnel's chameleon (scientific name: Trioceros hoehnelii) is a cool type of chameleon. It's also known as the helmeted chameleon or high-casqued chameleon. These lizards are part of the Chamaeleonidae family. You can find them living in eastern Africa.
Contents
What's in a Name?
This chameleon's name, hoehnelii, and one of its common names, "von Höhnel's chameleon," are a tribute to a famous Austrian explorer named Ludwig von Höhnel. He lived from 1857 to 1942.
Where Do They Live?
You can find T. hoehnelii chameleons in two countries in Africa: Kenya and Uganda.
How to Spot a Von Höhnel's Chameleon
These chameleons are small to medium-sized. They can grow up to about 10 inches (25.4 cm) long, including their tail. Their colors can change a lot depending on where they live.
In the mornings, you might see them sunbathing. They turn almost completely black to soak up as much heat from the sun as possible. This chameleon has a single horn on its nose. It also has a jagged crest along its back and a spiky crest under its throat.
Male chameleons are usually bigger than females. They also have a larger "helmet" (called a casque) on their head, a bigger horn, and a wider tail base.
Chameleon Behavior
Most chameleons in east Africa like to have their own space, and the high-casqued chameleon is no different. If two male chameleons meet, they might hiss at each other. They also turn black and flatten their bodies to look bigger and more threatening.
Stronger males often show off bright colors. These colors are different from females or less dominant males. They keep these bright patterns until they might lose a fight over a mate.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
T. hoehnelii chameleons give birth to live young. This is called ovoviviparity. When it's time to mate, adult chameleons form pairs. These pairs stay together during the five months that the female is pregnant. After the babies are born, the male and female usually go their separate ways.
What Do They Eat?
The high-casqued chameleon loves to eat small insects and spiders. They catch their food by shooting out their super long tongue. Their tongue can stretch out more than their entire body length to grab their prey!
See also
In Spanish: Trioceros hoehnelii para niños
