Distribution: Western Yemen and Southern Saudi Arabia.
Sexual differences: The males casque is noticeably taller than that of the females (the casque is the general area on top of the head just behind the eyes). A males casque can reach a height of 3.2 to 4.3 inches and the females casque 2 to 2.3 inches. Males also have spurs on their back heels and can grow to a size of 17 to 24 inches. Females generally only reach 10 to 13 inches. Males also are quite beautifully colored compared to the females.
Important facts: Males are very territorial once they reach sexual maturity and must be housed separately. Females start developing eggs soon after hatching and for this reason are not suitable for a singleton pet.
Housing suggestions: Each adult veiled chameleon must be housed separately both physically and visually to avoid unnecessary agitation which could lead to eating problems.
The cage should be at least 36 inches tall and 24 inches deep and wide. Air circulation should be adequate enough to prevent high humidity. There should be no substrata in the cage that might potentially become caught by their sticky tongue and inadvertently ingested.
UV lighting is extremely important and must be provided. There are many news ways to do this but probably still the best would be a fluorescent UV reptile bulb. The size of bulb to use will depend on the size of cage. Heat can be supplied by using a spot light so that one area in the cage can achieve temperatures of 95 to 105F. There must be branch access to the basking site. It is important to insure that the animal can not come in direct contact with the bulb and burn itself. There must also be the opportunity for the chameleon to move out of this spot to a cooler area with temperatures in the 70's. This is very important for their body temperature regulation. Branches and silk plants should be placed sensibly through out the cage to provide numerous open areas for basking and locomotion's as well as some shaded areas for shelter. It is also important to avoid allowing the chameleon the opportunity to climb on screening.
Daytime temperature: 70 - 80F
Basking area nearest heat source: 90 - 95F   Juveniles  95 - 105F Adults
Nighttime temperature: 70 - 75F
There is no hibernation period for chameleons but light cycles can be reduced to
12 hours of day / 12 hours of night
Water: Water should be provided every day. Chameleons in nature do not drink standing water so efforts should be made to simulate 'rain'. Humidity should be kept to a minimum so it is not recommended to spray the animal or the cage. A drip system is required that lasts no more than 15 - 20 minutes a day and should be done each morning. If using a screen top a ice cube can be placed on top of the screen placed so that as the cube melts the water falls on to foliage below. There are also new watering canteens designed for chameleons that drip.
Diet: Juveniles should be fed small crickets until about 8" in length. The crickets should be sprinkled with a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement at each feeding.
Adults and sub-adults can be fed larger crickets, locusts, grasshoppers, flies, mealworms (occasionally), snails, waxworms, spiders and most insects.
Adults will also eat some of the following items: collard greens, cooked sweet potatoes, cooked carrots, tomatoes, peaches, bananas, tangerines, cherries, broccoli tops and cuttlebone.
Vitamin supplements are very important for juveniles and breeding females but the need for supplementation does decrease with age. Chameleons have also been known to eat their own skin sheddings.