Chameleon CornerSpecies / Panther chameleon
The panther chameleon lives in the warm, humid lowlands of northern and eastern Madagascar. Males are among the most colorful lizards anywhere, and they are famous for local color forms that are named after the places they come from.
- Range
- Northern and eastern Madagascar, plus a few small introduced populations
- Size
- Males up to about 40 to 50 cm, females noticeably smaller
- Habitat
- Coastal forest edges, gardens and shrubby lowlands
- Diet
- Insects and other small invertebrates
One species, many looks
A male from one region can be bright blue and green, while a male from a nearby area may be red and orange. Local forms such as Nosy Be and Ambilobe are well known among enthusiasts. Females are far more muted, usually tan, pink or soft orange.
The bright colors are not just decoration. Males use them in displays toward rivals and females, and the strongest signals are shown when they are healthy and warm.