Calumma crypticum

[BackwaterReptiles]

Here's a picture of a supposed Calumma crypticum that I received as a Calumma malthe fairly recently. I inadvertently shipped her to a gentleman who needed a malthe female, but he thought it had more of a brevicornis look. So he had Chris Anderson take a look and apparently his best guess was crypticum (Chris, please do correct me if I've misspoken).

Long story short, we sent the customer a prepaid label and he shipped her back since he had no need for her. She appears gravid, and is vigorous and outwardly healthy.

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

Great picture of her. Thanks for posting!!

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[Chase]

Since they do not have an export quota, could you get in trouble since it was misidentified?

 

[BackwaterReptiles]

Since they do not have an export quota, could you get in trouble since it was misidentified?

Hi Chase,

I wouldn't think so, since it was inspected by Fish & Wildlife, then cleared. It's one of those situations whereby the species have such similar appearances, no one even noticed until a one-of-a-kind cham expert took a look (Chris Anderson), and I don't know that he is even sure--I believe the customer said it was a best guess sort of thing.

It's pretty apparent no one was trying to pull a fast one, and again, we really don't even know what it is. I purchased it as a malthe, from a guy who bought it as a malthe from a guy who imported it as a malthe. I still can't really even see the differences, but I'd defer to Chris' expertise.

 

[Chris Anderson]

Yeah its definitely not C. malthe. The occipital lobes and rostrals aren't right, nor is the coloration and patterning. Its either a female C. brevicorne or C. crypticum, and probably C. crypticum. Unfortunately there are not good distinguishing features for differentiating the females of these species based on external morphology, but she is consistent with females photographed at the type locality of C. crypticum. Further, it was pointed out that there is periodicity in the size of the conical scales of the dorsal crest, which is also suggestive of C. crypticum rather than C. brevicorne.

Hopefully she is gravid with a fertile clutch though!

Chris

 

[Lagartijo Hunter]

Hi guys: I'm Kevin, the costumer that bought this female, first of all I want to thank Sam for handling the situation very professional. Also want to thank Chris for providing the information about this species I know you are a very busy person and I hate to bother people, usually I do my own research until I need help. We are all new to this chameleon species so its not Sams fault that this happened.

When she was under my care, she was very active and had great appetite, she does appear to be gravid. After a couple of days she displayed beautiful coloration, completely different from any other Calumma Sp. currently available in the US. I hope she goes to an experience keeper and get a healthy clutch from her. The males of this species are gorgeous. From the time she was with me I found her to be easier to take care of compared to my C. malthes and my C. O'Shaughnessy. Thanks again to both of you, hope we can keep working together. I have been collecting data and observations on this species so if any of you needs my help let me know.

 

[BackwaterReptiles]

Hi guys: I'm Kevin, the costumer that bought this female, first of all I want to thank Sam for handling the situation very professional. Also want to thank Chris for providing the information about this species I know you are a very busy person and I hate to bother people, usually I do my own research until I need help. We are all new to this chameleon species so its not Sams fault that this happened.

When she was under my care, she was very active and had great appetite, she does appear to be gravid. After a couple of days she displayed beautiful coloration, completely different from any other Calumma Sp. currently available in the US. I hope she goes to an experience keeper and get a healthy clutch from her. The males of this species are gorgeous. From the time she was with me I found her to be easier to take care of compared to my C. malthes and my C. O'Shaughnessy. Thanks again to both of you, hope we can keep working together. I have been collecting data and observations on this species so if any of you needs my help let me know.

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the kind words--I also appreciate how understanding you were with the inadvertent mix-up, the legwork you did to research the correct indentification, and your offer to ship her back. I'm pleased to have an opportunity to potentially get her to lay.

Sam

 

[Montium]

Hi guys: I'm Kevin, the costumer that bought this female, first of all I want to thank Sam for handling the situation very professional. Also want to thank Chris for providing the information about this species I know you are a very busy person and I hate to bother people, usually I do my own research until I need help. We are all new to this chameleon species so its not Sams fault that this happened.

When she was under my care, she was very active and had great appetite, she does appear to be gravid. After a couple of days she displayed beautiful coloration, completely different from any other Calumma Sp. currently available in the US. I hope she goes to an experience keeper and get a healthy clutch from her. The males of this species are gorgeous. From the time she was with me I found her to be easier to take care of compared to my C. malthes and my C. O'Shaughnessy. Thanks again to both of you, hope we can keep working together. I have been collecting data and observations on this species so if any of you needs my help let me know.

Your O's are giving you trouble? Mine practically chase me down for food lol. I'm pretty sure one of my Brevs is a Crypticum as well, without a Brev to match it with they can be tough to tell apart. I suspect we will see more com in as Brevs, so males should be around at some point. Pure speculation on my part but we shall see.