Cape dwarf chameleon
A species of South african dwarf chameleons Scientific name : Bradypodion pumilum Genus : South african dwarf chameleons
Cape dwarf chameleon, A species of South african dwarf chameleons
Scientific name: Bradypodion pumilum
Genus: South african dwarf chameleons
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Abu Shawka , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Cape dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum) is a chameleon native to the South African province of the Western Cape, where it is restricted to the region around Cape Town.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Cape dwarf chameleon is primarily an insectivore, consuming various small arthropods. It selectively feeds on beetles, crickets, and spiders, playing a vital role in controlling these populations in their habit.
Appearance
Cape dwarf chameleon is a small chameleon measuring up to 15 cm in length. It exhibits prominent sexual dimorphism; males flaunting a vibrant green, while females and juveniles bear a subdued green with striped patterns. Its body is adorned with bulging eyes, a prehensile tail, and zygodactylous feet. Its distinctive crested back, usually seen in males, makes this species easily noticeable.
Behavior
Cape dwarf chameleon exhibits a solitary lifestyle, spending much of its time sedentary within trees. This arboreal reptile possesses unique adaptive behaviors such as cryptic coloration for camouflage, aiding in its survival. Notably, it's diurnal, with most activity taking place during daytime. Males are territorial, aggressively displaying expandable dewlaps to ward off rivals.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Abu Shawka , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Chameleons Species
Cape dwarf chameleon