Reptile · GBIF taxon 8046982
Montane side-striped chameleon
Trioceros elliotiAlso known as Elliot's Chameleon, Elliot's Groove-Throated Chameleon, Side-Striped Chameleon
Montane side-striped chameleons cling to tall grasses, shrubs, and forest edges across the high-altitude landscapes of East Africa. Males display vibrant green, yellow, and blue shades marked by distinct pale lateral stripes, while females bear live young rather than laying eggs. These solitary hunters use independently rotating eyes and lightning-fast sticky tongues to snatch unsuspecting insects from low vegetation.
ArborealViviparousHighland
Licensed referenceBenjamin Klingebiel / CC BY-SA 2.0 de · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flies
- Grasshoppers
- Spiders
Predators
- Snakes
- Birds of prey
- Domestic cats
ThreatsHabitat loss, agricultural expansion, localized collection
HabitatsMontane grasslands, forest edges, savannas, agricultural margins
Life span3–5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyChamaeleonidae
- GenusTrioceros
- SpeciesTrioceros ellioti
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a minor bite if cornered; observe quietly without picking up.
Responsible observation
- Spotting Cues: Look for distinct pale lateral stripes running down the flanks while scanning low bushes and tall grass stems.
- Approach Strategy: Move slowly and avoid casting sudden shadows, which cause the chameleon to freeze or drop to the ground.
- Handling Etiquette: Admire from a short distance without grasping, allowing the lizard to continue foraging undisturbed.
Co-occurring Species 
Close Relative Patrick Gijsbers / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Acapella, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Regional Relative (c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christoph Moning · cc-by
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Emerald Kingdom
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