Native to: The Panther Chameleon is native to Madagascar in the tropical forests.

Adult Size: The adult male Panther Chameleon can grow between 17 and 20 inches in length. The female is typically half the length of the male. Panther Chameleons can live up to 10 years in captivity.

Appearance: Male Panther Chameleons are very vibrant in color unlike the females. The colors and patterns of the males vary with their location. Panther Chameleons from the areas of Nosey Be and Ambanja are generally a vibrant blue, whereas the Panther Chameleons from Diego Suarez and Sambava are red, green or orange.

Diet: Panther Chameleons are mainly carnivores eating mainly crickets, mealworms and waxworms. Feeding should occur daily to every other day. Calcium supplements should also be given twice a week.

Ease of care: The Panther Chameleon is an excellent choice of pet. However, they do require that their habitat mimic the jungle in which they are from. This precise mimicing of jungle environment can be very time consuming. Be sure to remove uneaten insects daily and maintain cleanliness of cage.

Habitat: The habitat should be at least 36 inches high, 30 inches in length and 16 inches wide. Chameleons like to climb, so the higher the cage the better. It should also be very well ventilated. Keep the humidity at 65% or higher. And be sure to mist the branches and leaves twice a day to help maintain humidity levels. Daytime temperatures should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basking zone between 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Night time temperatures should range between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Add live trees and plants plus artificial reptile branches for climbing and entertainment purposes. Line the floor of the habitat with reptile carpeting or other bedding. Daytime lighting should consist of UVA/UVB flourescent bulb for about 12 hours of light per day to help with the processing of calcuim.

Drink: Panther Chameleons should be misted up to four times a day to maintain humidity levels. Also a shallow water dish that cannot be tipped over should also be offered.

Temperament: The Panther Chameleon is known to change colors when they become stressed, excited, frightened or trying to blend into the environment. They do not like much handling.

Breeding: Studies show that females when bred usually live up 2 to 3 years after laying eggs due to the stress put on their bodies. The females can lay anywhere between 10 to 40 eggs per breeding session. And they can generally lay 5 to 8 sessions. Eggs can take between 5 and 14 months to hatch. Wild Panther Chameleons usually reach sexual maturity at a minimum age of 7 months.