Kzn dwarf chameleon
A species of South african dwarf chameleons Scientific name : Bradypodion melanocephalum Genus : South african dwarf chameleons
Kzn dwarf chameleon, A species of South african dwarf chameleons
Scientific name: Bradypodion melanocephalum
Genus: South african dwarf chameleons
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Purves, M. , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The black-headed dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion melanocephalum) is a lizard of the family Chamaeleonidae endemic to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is also known as the KwaZulu dwarf chamaeleon.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Kzn dwarf chameleon primarily subsists on a diet of different insect species, making it an insectivore. It precisely favours shelled gastropods, and to a lesser extent, consumes beetles and other small arthropods.
Appearance
Kzn dwarf chameleon is a small chameleon species characterized by a slender body and rough, granular skin. It sports a color palette of black, deep brown, and green, changing shades in response to its environment. Notably, males display a dark head cap, which becomes black during displays. Two small, flexible horns protrude from above the eyes. No significant differences between subspecies exist.
Behavior
Kzn dwarf chameleon is a solitary, arboreal reptile, primarily engaging in diurnal activities. Outlined by a slow, meticulous foraging pattern, it feeds predominantly on insects and plants. For survival, kzn dwarf chameleon exhibits exceptional camouflaging skills, blending intricately with foliage, and adapts defensive posturing when threatened. Seasonal territorial color changes signal its reproductive readiness, further emphasizing its unique behavioral adaptations.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Purves, M. , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Chameleons Species
Kzn dwarf chameleon