The numbers
Enclosure
60 × 60 × 120 cm
Diet
Crickets, dubia, silkworms, hornworms · Every other day
Temperature
night 18–21 °C
Humidity
40–50% day, 80–100% night (mist)
UVB
Linear T5; replace ~6 mo
Identity
Family / Order
Chamaeleonidae / Squamata
Adult size
♂ 43–60 cm · ♀ 25–35 cm
Lifespan (captivity)
♂ 5–8 yrs · ♀ 4–6 yrs
Activity
Diurnal; arboreal; solitary
Temperament
Display animal — not a handling pet; territorial
Price (THB)
~1,500–5,000
Enclosure and conditions
Basking
29–35 °C (85–95 °F)
Ambient
22–27 °C (72–80 °F)
Night
18–21 °C
Humidity
40–50% day, 80–100% night (mist)
UVB (required)
Linear T5; replace ~6 mo
Min. size
60 × 60 × 120 cm screen (males); vertical + airflow
Furnishings
Dense foliage + vines
Water
Dripper / misting (won't drink standing water)
Diet
Diet type
Insectivore (occasional plant nibble)
Staple insects
Crickets, dubia, silkworms, hornworms
Juveniles
Daily
Adults
Every other day
Calcium
Ca no-D3 every feed; Ca+D3 + multivit 2×/month
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Minimal — stresses easily; hands-off display species
Cohabitation
Strictly solitary — never house together
Stress signs
Dark colors, gaping, hiding
Defense
Gape, hiss, may bite
Children
Watch, don't handle
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
~5–8 months
Sexing
♂ has a tarsal spur on hind feet at hatch
Clutch
20–80 eggs; ♀ lay even unmated → need lay bin
Incubation
~5–9 months at ~28 °C
Note
Egg-laying is a serious ♀ health consideration
Common health problems
Metabolic bone disease
Signsvery common; weak/bent limbs
Preventcorrect UVB + calcium
Dehydration / kidney issues
Signssunken eyes, orange urates
Preventproper misting/dripper hydration
Egg-binding (♀)
Signsstraining, lethargy
Preventprovide a lay site; vet if straining
Stress / URI
Signspoor airflow, over-handling
Preventscreen enclosure + ventilation; hands-off
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- Independently rotating eyes give 360° vision; the tongue is longer than the body.
- Color change signals mood and temperature — not mainly camouflage.
- Females can lay large clutches even without a male.
Common questions
Can I handle it?
Best not — a look-don't-touch display pet.
Why won't it drink from a bowl?
They drink moving droplets — use a dripper.
Beginner-friendly?
Rewarding but demanding — precise humidity/UVB/hydration.
What it needs
- Screen enclosure 60×60×120
- T5 UVB + basking
- Dripper + mister/fogger
- Vines & foliage
- Lay bin (females)
- Calcium + D3 + multivit
- Gut-loaded feeders
- Digital hygro/thermometer