Flap-necked Chameleon

[Carnae]

I own a 'female' Flap-necked Chameleon. She's about 3 1/2 months old and after recovering from a nasty incident about 3 weeks ago she's fit and healthy. I just wanted to ask a few questions.

1) How can I actually tell if she's a female or not?
2) Can female Flap-necks become graid without a male around (as I heard some species could and some couldn't)?
3) When will she become fully grown?

Any help you could give me would be very useful!!

 

[Trace]

1: There are some sub-species of dilepis that have a tarsal spur (which indicates a male) and some sub-species that don't. Now these spurs should be present at birth, but I have seen a male dilepis dilepis develop these bumps later in life. Odd if you ask me. If you are unsure of sub-species then hemipenal bulge (or lack thereof) is another good indicator of sex. Post a pic of your "girl", perhaps we can sex it for you. Also this article: http://chameleonnews.com/?page=article&id=49 is excellent. A must read for all dilepis owners.

2: Yes the females can become gravid. Make sure you've got a lay bucket in the cage.

3: I've noticed the dilepis grow a lot slower than other commonly kept species and your gal should be full grown in about a year.

Cheers,
t

 

[Carnae]

Thanks for the link, its really interesting. My little cham looks just like the bottom pic (Ch. dilepis petersii), from the white markings to the brown behind the neck and the general shape. I can't figure how to get my photos on my computer yet (new one) but I should be able to shortly!

 

[Carnae]

http://http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=917383&id=703122889

 

[BocaJan]

It didn't go through. Put the pic on your computer somewhere, maybe on your desktop. Then open up the gallery (see the first blue line above after User CP) and make a gallery for yourself. This is where you can show your photos. Then you can download your photo. You have to make sure it isn't any larger then the list of sizes for the extentions show. I have to send mine through my email to get it smaller....many folks have programs that will make thumbnails. Anyway, then the pic will be posted in your gallery.

Good luck! I await your picture!

 

[Carnae]

Ok, I'll just link to the gallery!!
https://www.chameleonforums.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=4542&c=3

 

[Trace]

I think you've got a nice little female dilepis!

Considering she wasn't feeling too well a few weeks back, she looks good. You obviously corrected a few husbandry issues and she certainly benefited from that. Good job. And don't ever be shy about asking questions about your critter either.

Have fun with Licky. She's awful cute.
Cheers,
t