Vivariums;reptiles;Pygmy Chameleon 5

- Spectral pygmy chameleon ( Rhampholeon spectrum)

Spectral pygmy chameleon

The spectral pygmy chameleon, western pygmy chameleon, or Cameroon stumptail chameleon[1] (Rhampholeon spectrum) is one of the so-called "dwarf" or "leaf" chameleons, from mainland Africa.

Spectral pygmy chameleon

Illustration of Bothrolycus ater andRhampholeon spectrum

Synonyms

- Chamaeleo spectrum Buchholz, 1874
- Rhampholeon affinis Steindachner, 1911

Conservation status

Scientific classification :

Kingdom:Animalia

Phylum:Chordata

Class:Reptilia

Order:Squamata

Suborder:Sauria

Family:Chamaeleonidae

Genus:Rhampholeon

Species:R. spectrum

Binomial name :

Rhampholeon spectrum
Buchholz, 1874

Distribution :

The exact distribution differs between sources, but includes at least Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon,[1][2] and may include the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo,[2] and Nigeria.[1]

Description :

They are small, not exceeding 10 cm (4 in), with very short, albeit prehensile, tails. They tend to frequent the ground and low shrubbery in forested areas.[3]

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.

For the external links , refrences click here to read the full wikipedia article

Rhampholeon spectrum – BUCHHOLZ, 1874

courtesy to : www.reptile-care.de/species/Iguania/Chamaeleonidae/Rhampholeon-spectrum.html

Rhampholeon spectrum: Wild-caught male • Wildfangmännchen
© Lutz Obelgönner

Cameroon Stump-tailed Chameleon

Description
Named after Latin spectrum = 'image, appearance, imagination', I don't know about the ethymological reason. This species shows a small, conical extension on the top snout. The colouration is less variable than in other species of stump-tailed chameleons.

Protection
none

Adult Size
up to 90 mm

Lifespan
about three years

Distribution
Cameroon, Congo, Bioko, Central African Republic, Gabon in many small, separated areas

Habitat
leaf and bush level of forest areas from 0–1,900 metres above sea level, often near water ways

Captive Care
At least 40x30x40 cm WDH, but the animals don't mind to get more space with lots of plants and fine twigs. Control is easier in smaller boxes. Stick cork bark to the walls. Temperature 23–25 °C, night temperature 20–22 °C, humidity 70–90 %, but always fresh air. Sensitive to high temperatures. Daylight fluorescent lamps or LEDs, Substrate 3 cm sand/peat mix or forest soil, place leafs on top, keep always humid, spray daily.

Food
arthropods and larvae, woodlouses, other small invertrebrates, feed irregularly, minerals/vitamins (e. g. Herpetal Complete)

Reproduction and Rearing
Keep pairs. Females dig up to 6 clutches with 1–2 eggs/year into the ground. Incubate at 19–22 °C for about 160 days. Night reduction seems to be necessary to hatch females and healthier young.

Literature / Literatur
Necas, Petr/Schmidt, Wolfgang (2004). Stummelschwanzchamäleons. Die Gattungen Brookesia und Rhampholeon. Chimaira, Frankfurt.
Necas, Petr/Schmidt, Wolfgang (2004). Stump-tailed Chameleons. Miniature Dragons of the Rainforest. Chimaira, Frankfurt.
Necas, Petr/Schmidt, Wolfgang (2004). Geheimnisvolle Mini-Drachen: Die Erd- und Stummelschwanzchamäleons der Gattungen Brookesia und Rhampholeon. Reptilia 9 (4): 18–27. NTV, Münster.
Necas, Petr/Schmidt, Wolfgang (2004). Mysterious Mini-Dragons: the stump-tailed chameleons Brookesia and Rhampholeon. Reptilia (English edition) (35): 10–21. Barcelona.
van Hoof, J. et al. (2006). Kameleons, een fascinerende hobby. Lacerta 64 (5–6): 1–96.