Spectral pygmy chameleon
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| Spectral pygmy chameleon | |
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| Illustration of Bothrolycus ater and Rhampholeon spectrum | |
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| Species: | R. spectrum
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| Rhampholeon spectrum Buchholz, 1874
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The spectral pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon spectrum) is one of the so-called "dwarf" or "leaf" chameleons, from mainland Africa.
Description
They are small, not exceeding 4 in (10 cm), with very short, albeit prehensile, tails. They tend to frequent the ground and low shrubbery in forested areas.[1]
This species is capable of color change, but generally in somber shades of tan to gray. It also has a ventral stripe from the eye to above the base of the tail which, however, is not always displayed in lieu of plain ground colors. It is capable of quite striking coloration in the form of streaks and blotches.
In spite of their small size, plain color, and often terrestrial habits, they are otherwise very much like the larger chameleons in possessing independently rotating eye sockets, opposable digits on the front and back feet, and projectile tongues. Males may be differentiated from females by their wider tail bases.
Behavior
They are extremely sedentary, and not territorial (unlike other chameleons). They eat small invertebrates. Their reproductive habits are poorly known. These animals seem to prefer cooler temperatures.
References
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