Short answer: A large chameleon from Yemen and southern Saudi Arabia. One adult needs at least a 24 × 24 × 48 inch enclosure, an 85°F basking spot, 72–78°F elsewhere, 40–50% humidity by day and 80–100% at night, and insects daily when young.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
- Habitat
- Rainforest Canopy
- Home range
- Yemen and southern Saudi Arabia
- Adult size
- Up to about 22 in
- Lifespan
- 6–8 years (females shorter)
- Diet
- Insects
- Active
- Daytime
Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 24 × 24 × 48 in. For one chameleon; larger is strongly recommended. [source] |
|---|---|
| Basking spot | 85°F [source] |
| Cool end | 72–78°F [source] |
| Night | 55–65°F [source] |
| Humidity | 40–50%. 80–100% at night: mist every morning and evening, preferably in the dark, with distilled water [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | A 22 in Arcadia T5 HO Forest 6% or ReptiSun 5.0, with the basking branch putting its back 6 in below the top mesh; aim for UVI about 3.0 at the basking spot. [source] |
| Heat | White 50 W basking bulbs (two recommended). [source] |
| Substrate | No substrate: a drainage system at the bottom of the enclosure. [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | Up to about 22 in · 6–8 years (females shorter) |
What to feed, and how often
Dusted feeder insects. [source]
| Juvenile | As many insects as it will eat, daily |
|---|---|
| Adult | 4–5 insects every other day |
Supplements: Arcadia EarthPro A at every feeding; Revitalise D3 or Repashy CalciumPlus LoD twice a month.
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →More veiled chameleons
Veiled chameleon FAQ
What size enclosure does a veiled chameleon need?
At least 24 × 24 × 48 inches (length × depth × height) for one adult. For one chameleon; larger is strongly recommended. [source]
What temperature does a veiled chameleon need?
A basking spot of 85°F and 72–78°F at the cool end. At night, 55–65°F. [source]
What humidity does a veiled chameleon need?
40–50%. 80–100% at night: mist every morning and evening, preferably in the dark, with distilled water. [source]
Does a veiled chameleon need UVB?
UVB is recommended. A 22 in Arcadia T5 HO Forest 6% or ReptiSun 5.0, with the basking branch putting its back 6 in below the top mesh. Aim for a UVI of about 3.0 where it basks. [source]
What do veiled chameleons eat?
Dusted feeder insects. Supplements: Arcadia EarthPro A at every feeding; Revitalise D3 or Repashy CalciumPlus LoD twice a month. [source]
How often should I feed a veiled chameleon?
Juvenile: As many insects as it will eat, daily.Adult: 4–5 insects every other day. [source]
How big do veiled chameleons get, and how long do they live?
Adults reach Up to about 22 in and live 6–8 years (females shorter) with good care.
Where do veiled chameleons come from?
Yemen and southern Saudi Arabia. They are most active: daytime. [source]
Neighbors in the Rainforest Canopy
ForestBeginner
Crested geckoCorrelophus ciliatus
7–9 in15–20 yearsPowdered crested gecko diet plus some insects
ForestBeginner
Gargoyle geckoRhacodactylus auriculatus
7–9 in15–20 yearsCrested gecko diet plus insects
ForestBeginner
Mourning geckoLepidodactylus lugubris
3–4 in10–15 yearsCrested gecko diet plus small insects
ForestIntermediate
Dumeril's boaAcrantophis dumerili
5–7 ft15–20+ yearsWhole prey (rodents, birds)
ForestAdvanced
Jackson's chameleonTrioceros jacksonii
9–13 in5–10 yearsInsects
Sources
General husbandry information, not veterinary advice. If your animal is losing weight or seems unwell, see a reptile vet (find one through ARAV). Updated November 9, 2026.