Chamaeleo lateralis (Carpet Chameleon)

Age: Between 2 and 3 years old
Origin: Madagascar
Length: 17-25 centimeters
It owes its name to the carpet chameleon because it rarely has a single basic color and is usually spotted. Due to the lines on its body, the animal has a kind of net drawing.

Care
Experience: Experienced lizard keeper
Food: Insects
Feed adult: 2 to 3 times a week
Feed young: Daily
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: Daily

Power supply
The chameleon's main diet consists of insects and spiderlings. For insects, for example, small crickets, wax moth larvae, worms or woodlice can be fed. Incidentally, the diet can be supplemented with sweet nectar or honey water. As with any animal, variation within the diet is important, try to alternate the different insects.
This diet does not meet the full requirement of minerals and vitamins. For this reason, extra calcium and vitamin supplements will have to be given with the food. You can find these in most pet stores and reptile stores

Water
The chameleon mainly ingests water by licking droplets from leaves. It is therefore also important that the terrarium is sprayed daily or that a drip system is present.

Cleaning
important to clean the terrarium properly. Therefore remove uneaten food animals every day and remove faeces before feeding the animal again. Replace the bottom material once a month or a few times a year and then immediately clean the rest of the terrarium (including the interior). If you use cleaning products, it is important to rinse everything well after the time. Always wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with the animals or the terrarium, as reptiles can transmit salmonella.

Handling
Chameleons are very fragile animals, so don't just pick them up. They are not fast animals and when used to you they would run up your hand, this is also the only way you should handle them.

Housing
Minimum size for a couple: 50x50x100
Daytime temperature: 22 to 55 degrees Celsius
Night temperature: 10 to 15 degrees Celsius
Hours of light: 12 hours a day
Humidity Level: 70-100%
Soil cover: peat, sand or coco peat

Design
The terrarium must have plenty of climbing opportunities, which can be achieved by placing plants and branches that they can climb into. The back wall can be covered with bark and cork, which gives the Anolis a feeling of security, which would lead to less stress. Plants can be planted on the bottom, tube plants are recommended as water remains in it. Make sure that there is always a place where the animal can retreat, this is especially important when several individuals are housed together.
The enclosure must offer different temperatures. There should be both warmer and colder areas for the animals to choose from. A UV-b lamp must be hung. In this way, the animals can build up sufficient calcium in their bodies. Without this relief, they can become very ill. Use light bulbs, low-energy light bulbs or possibly daylight lamps and leave the light on twelve hours a day. To achieve the high humidity, the terrarium must be sprayed regularly.

Behaviour
Lifestyle: diurnal
Character
Chameleons are very aggressive towards humans and other animals. The chameleon can climb well and also walk reasonably well on the bottom.

Points of attention
Never put several chameleons together in an enclosure, this is very against nature and would also cause them a lot of stress, which could cause them to die prematurely.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation: The carpet chameleon falls under CITES II, to own this turtle species you need CITES or transfer papers. You should get this with the purchase.
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl and decoration. This can cost a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros in total. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, which is a few tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs are incurred when your animal happens to become ill or your equipment breaks down.