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Species of the month

Meller's Chameleon

Some facts about this chameleon:

Length: 46-61 cm.
Tongue reach: 38-50 cm.
Weight: 0.23-0.45 kg.
Range: East Africa, mainly Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania.
Diet: Insects, smaller lizards, spiders, worms, and caterpillars.
Life span: Up to 12 years (in captivity).
First described: In 1864 by the British zoologist Dr. John Edward Gray.

Chamaeleo melleri is one of three chameleons that are considered the true giants of chameleons. Has large occipital lobes and a single rostral horn. Changes colors when excited or in stress. Females produce a single clutch of up to 80 eggs annually. Able to catch insects and even birds 50 cm. away with its tongue.

(Archived from Template:Species of the week)