Flap neck

Introduction: The flap-neck chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) is so called because of the presence of occipital (on the back of the head) flaps. When this species is threatened the fun begins. The body becomes inflated, the throat extends in all directions, the occipital flaps are raised the mouth opens to reveal a beautiful, but somewhat frightening red-orange lining. They will bite and are feared by tribal people. These actions when the flap-neck chameleon feels threatened are the subject of many traditional stories by locals. They are not poisonous though. Predators are mainly snakes such as the boomslang and twig snakes, but also include monkeys and birds such as the crowned hornbill.

Distribution: Northern Namibia including Etosha National Park, Rundu to Victoria Falls and the northern Kalahari Desert.

Diet: Insects such as grasshoppers and beetles.

Colouring: Varies from pale yellow to green shades to brown. The belly crest is white. They turn blue-white at night, which makes them easier to find.

Breeding: Mating lasts for about an hour, not bad for such little creatures and eggs take 3 to 4 months to develop. Females construct a tunnel in damp soil and eggs are laid in March to May.

Size: SVL 120 to 140mm. Max SVL 150mm.