The Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus), also called the Yemen Chameleon, is a relatively large and attractive chameleon species from the Middle East. It naturally ranges within Yemen and Saudi Arabia yet has also been introduced and has established small populations in parts of Florida and Hawaii. In its natural range, the Veiled Chameleon lives in coastal mountain slopes with significant rainfall and more inland, lives in more arid wadis with year-round water and vegetation.

Veiled Chameleons are a large, colorful species, which is easily recognized by the large casque or helmet of males on the top of the head. With males reaching a total length of as much as 2 feet and females reaching a total length of approximately 18 inches, this is one of the larger chameleon species seen in captivity. When combined with their brilliant coloration and pattern, their hardy nature and ease of breeding in captivity, the Veiled Chameleon has become a popular pet and likely the best starter chameleon species for those interested in these amazing animals and their unusual attributes such as color change and ballistic tongue projection while feeding.

As the hardiest chameleon species Veiled Chameleons do well in captive environments with consistent care. Adult males are ideally housed in screen enclosures around 4' tall x 2'x2', although they can tolerate smaller enclosures and females require less space. Screen enclosures allow for required airflow and space and can be purchased from some breeders including FL Chams. With a live plant, such as a Ficus or Schefflera, and various horizontal branches, the interior of a Veiled Chameleon's enclosure is quite simple to design and setup as Veiled Chameleons do best without substrate or standing water sources in their enclosure. Water is instead provided through daily misting of the enclosure and plants and they then lap the water off of the leaves in their enclosures.

Lighting for the Veiled Chameleon is fairly inexpensive and simple to set up. A UVB emitting fluorescent tube light, such as the Reptisun 5.0, and a separate standard incandescent light bulb for heat are all that is required. With both on for 12 hours and no additional heat or light source for the remaining time, night temperature drops are actually appreciated by Veiled Chameleons as apposed to many other reptile pets.

Veiled Chameleons grow quite rapidly on a diet of appropriately sized crickets fed a simple cricket diet and alternatingly dusted with a calcium supplement. Adults will frequently become used to feeding from their owner's fingers with their long tongue which projects itself out of their mouth at high speeds and contacts their prey with their sticky tongue.

Male Veiled Chameleons exhibit the more striking coloration of the species, often showing blues, yellows, oranges, greens and brown coloration in a remarkable spotted and striped pattern. Additionally, they are large, have a large helmet or casque at the top of their head and on the rear of the hind feet, have a tarsal spur allowing them to be sexed from birth. Females lack this spur, remain smaller and tend to have more of a green coloration except when gravid or pregnant. When gravid, females exhibit a brilliant black, green and orange coloration indicating to males that they are not interesting in breeding.

If provided with a proper enclosure and consistent care, the Veiled Chameleon is a striking, beautiful and excellent hardy captive which is excellent for the first time chameleon owner. Their relatively simple care requirements, impressive features and odd behavior make them an interesting and conversation starting display for any dedicated enthusiast.