Species · GBIF taxon 2449077
Flap-necked Chameleon
Chamaeleo dilepisAlso known as Flapneck Chameleon, Common Flap-necked Chameleon, Double-lobed Chameleon
Flap-necked chameleons navigate the African savanna canopy with slow, rocking steps that mimic windblown leaves. They feature large, movable occipital flaps behind their heads, which they flare dramatically alongside a bright orange throat pouch to intimidate rivals or ward off predators. Highly territorial, these solitary reptiles spend their days hunting insects with explosive, sticky tongues before retreating to deep foliage at dusk.
ArborealColor-changingDiurnal
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasshoppers
- Beetles
- Flies
Predators
- Boomslang
- Fiscal Shrike
- Verreaux's Eagle-Owl
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, pesticide use, and illegal collection for the pet trade
HabitatsSavanna, woodlands, coastal forest, and bushy grasslands
Life span5 to 8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyChamaeleonidae
- SpeciesChamaeleo dilepis
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May hiss and bite if cornered or handled; observe quietly from a distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a bright green lizard with a pale lateral stripe and distinctive, movable skin flaps on the back of the head.
- Support conservation
- Never collect wild individuals, and buy only certified captive-bred animals if keeping them as pets.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look for their slow, swaying movement in low bushes and acacia trees during the early morning.
- Night Searching: Use a flashlight at night to spot them sleeping on outer twigs, where they turn a pale, easily visible green.
- Handling: Avoid picking them up, as handling causes extreme stress and may trigger defensive hissing.
Predator Close Relative Close Relative Close Relative
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