Lizards

The Biggest Chameleon Species

~ BackwaterReptiles

A while back, we wrote about the four largest chameleon species and you learned that the biggest chameleon species in the world is the Parson’s Chameleon (Calumma parsonii).

Now, we’re going to tell you a bit more about the gigantic Parson’s Chameleon and why we recommend that only experienced reptile enthusiasts keep these gorgeous and impressive lizards.

Parson’s chameleons are usually a blue-ish greenish teal in color with accent colors of brown, yellow, or green. There are two main varieties seen in the reptile trade: orange eyes, and yellow-lips.

Orange eyes are much more common, and are named so because their eye turrets are a bright, vivid orange color.

Yellow-lips are far less commonly seen in the hobby. Males have yellow trimming on their lips with diagonal stripes along their sides, while females are similarly patterned but generally lack the yellow-lips.

The Biggest chameleon species
This is one of our male Yellow-lipped Parson’s chameleons, the biggest chameleon species in the world. Notice how large he is in comparison to a forearm.

Males Parson’s are larger than females, although not by much. Males also have pronounced  nose bumps or protrusions, whereas females do not.

So, we’ve already established that the Parson’s Chameleon is the biggest chameleon species in the world, but how large is it really?

Well, they can reach lengths of up to 30 inches and weigh anywhere from a pound to two pounds. This might not seem like a lot, but when compared to what other chameleons weigh, it’s monstrous! It’s possible that they are not the longest chameleon in the world, but they are certainly the biggest chameleon when it comes to overall mass.

They also have thick, bulky torsos with very strong limbs. In fact, if you ever get the chance to hold one, it might be wise to wear gloves as they have sharp toe claws and can grip hard enough to leave marks and draw blood, although we think it’s worth it!

Often times, it is said that Parson’s chameleons can get as big as a small house cat. This is only partially true as they can get as long as a small cat, but definitely will never weigh as much or be as bulky. They can definitely live as long as a house cat though – some have been reported to live to well over twenty years of age!

Because of their large size, it would make sense that Parson’s chameleons require a large enclosure. A full-grown male or female being housed solitarily should have a mesh cage that is at least 24 inches long and 48 inches high, but the larger the better.

Parson’s are arboreal and will need as much space as possible to climb, so considering how big the animal can be, vertical space is definitely important. Make absolutely sure the vines and branches are strong enough to support their weight easily. Also make sure they cannot wrap their claws all the way around the entire vine/branch width, as this can cause issues for them.

Largest Female Parson's Chameleon
This is our resident female Yellow-lipped Parson’s chameleon. She laid us a clutch of 68 healthy eggs earlier this year!

In addition to requiring a large cage, we don’t recommend Parson’s chameleons for  beginners because they also need large food items. In the wild, it has been reported that Parson’s eat small birds (finches), so they definitely have appetites and will need to be fed accordingly.

At Backwater Reptiles, we feed ours large roaches, large crickets, and large hornworms. If your Parson’s is particularly well-trained, you might even try feeding it pinkie mice, but it’s usually hard to get chameleons of any species to eat on cue, especially if the food item is already deceased.

Parson’s chameleons are quite rare in the reptile hobby and breeding world for several reasons. Probably the most impactful reason is that these chameleons are listed as “near threatened” on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species.

What this ultimately means is that trade and exportation of these large lizards has been strictly regulated since 1994. It wasn’t until just recently that legal export quotas opened up in their home country of Madagascar, but there are still very few of these animals for sale in captivity, and that’s probably a good thing. Regardless, it’s always best to start with captive bred animals if possible.

Male Parsons Chameleon (Calumma parsonii)
Notice the diagonal accent stripes on this male’s sides.

The rarity of the Parson’s chameleon means that it comes with a steep price point. Most chameleon species have been captive bred in the U.S. for long enough that that they are not too hard to come by at reptile expos or through private breeders.

But due to the toughness of acquisition as well as the lack of captive breeding projects, Parson’s are still extremely expensive, particularly when compared to other pet chameleon species, often times fetching a price of $1,500 to $3,000, depending upon the locale.

So now let’s assume that you can meet the requirements mentioned above – you’ve got the large cage, you can supply the large food, and you can meet the steep price point. We still recommend that only owners who have kept other species of chameleons own Parson’s chameleons.

Parson’s are particularly delicate, despite their large frames. They stress easily and don’t reproduce in captivity as readily as other species do. And just like all chameleon species, they require high humidity, and a dripping/misting system so that they’ll drink water. They drink a lot of water.

Calumma parsonii - biggest chameleon in the world
Large adult Parson’s chameleons require an equally large enclosure.

Biggest chameleon species – Conclusion

While Parson’s Chameleons are highly sought after due to their large size, magnificent coloration, and rarity, Backwater Reptiles would like to stress that these animals do best when kept by an experienced reptile hobbyist.

If you think you are interested in one of these chameleons, Backwater Reptiles does have Parson’s Chameleons for sale. We’re always here for questions or pictures of the exact Parson’s chameleons we offer.

Best Pet Anole Lizards

~ BackwaterReptiles

If you’re wondering what the best pet anole lizards are, you’re not alone. Anoles are very common pet lizards and are especially popular with those who are new to keeping pet reptiles. This is because they are small, easy to care for, and very pretty to look at.

I remember being a kid at the local pet store, and they would always have a tank full of Green anoles. I thoroughly enjoyed keeping them as pets, but back then, I had no idea the world of anoles was so large.

Did you know that there are many species of anoles that make great pets, even though the green anole (Anolis carolinensis) is the most widely available in pet stores?

In this blog entry, we’ll discuss the top four anole species we think make the best pets, excluding the very common green anole (Anolis carolinensis) and brown anole (Anolis sagrei), which both make excellent pets.

Big Head Anole (Anolis cybotes)

Best pet anole lizards
Pictured is a male Big Head Anole. You can tell his gender by his pronounced dewlap, head crest, and the bright green stripe running along his side. This species can make a hardy pet anole.

Bet you can’t guess where this species gets its common name? Yes, it’s because the males possess unusually large heads…at least by anole standards.

These anoles range in color from brown to tan to reddish-brown or even grey. The males also sometimes possess a bright green stripe that runs along the sides of their bodies. Their dewlaps also tend to be larger and they can also have small head and neck crests.

Cuban Knight Anole (Anolis equestris)

Pet Cuban Knight Anole
This is one of our young Knight Anoles. Its white markings will most likely yellow out as it matures. It’s head will also become disproportionately massive.

Cuban Knight anoles are known for their voracious appetites. If you enjoy making feeding time a spectacle, then a Knight anole might be a good fit as these little lizards are definitely not picky eaters.

You can recognize a Cuban Knight anole mainly by its size. These anoles are definitely one of the larger species and can reach lengths up to 18 inches in captivity, although 12 to 15 inches is a more common size.

These anoles are bright green in color and have white stripes and patches. As they grow, the white becomes more yellow in color, and their heads become massive in relation to their overall body–almost comically so.

Knight anoles eat insects and can’t be housed with smaller critters (including smaller anoles) because they’ll make a meal out of them! Starting with a young specimen is always a plus.

Haitian White-Lipped Anole (Anolis coelestinus)

Haitian White-lipped Anole
Can you see the white stripe on our White-lipped anole’s mouth? This is a well-fed specimen.

The White-lipped Anole is named after the white stripe that runs along its lip and down its shoulder area. It is a mid-size anole with a reasonable temperament, although like most anole species, it is still a rather flighty lizard.

This species attains a longer, stockier size than it’s cousin the Green anole, making them a hearty pet. They love crickets and waxworms.

The care requirements for this anole don’t vary much from those of the common Green Anole as they occupy the same type of habitats and eat the same type of foods.

Henderson Anole (Anolis hendersoni) 

Henderson Anole
Here’s one of our Henderson anoles, wary of the camera.

The Henderson Anole is a bit harder to come by in the pet trade.

They tend to be brown or gray in coloration with lighter sides and underbelly. They possess very long, triangular heads. Above their hind legs, they have a bright green/teal spot. They’ve got a very unique appearance.

Like all anoles, the Henderson anole requires an enclosure that provides it more vertical, climbing space instead of horizontal, floor space. They eat insects and do better when they’re being observed than when they are being handled.

Each of the anoles we’ve covered will do best with some UVB lighting–we recommend the ReptiSun 5.0 bulbs, as they have served our reptiles well.

Conclusion

All of these anole lizards make fascinating and entertaining pets. Just keep in mind that although they are pretty easy to care for, they are not very hands on pets and can be skittish. In other words, don’t be surprised if your anole doesn’t enjoy being held and taken out of its enclosure. This is true of nearly all anoles.

Still interested in a pet anole? Backwater Reptiles has all of these species of anoles for sale and more.

What Gender is My Panther Chameleon?

~ BackwaterReptiles

You might want to know what gender your panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) is for many reasons. Maybe you want to begin a breeding project. Perhaps you got a new family pet and you are trying to decide on a name. Or maybe, you’re just plain old curious.

Never fear – at Backwater Reptiles, we breed, feed, handle, and care for Panther chameleons on a daily basis, and we’re prepared to help you be able to tell if your Panther is a lady or a gent.

Color

The biggest indicator of adult Panther chameleon gender is color. In the wild, juvenile and adult males use brilliant colors to attract mates as well as defend territory against rival males, so bright, bold colors are the number one indicator that you have a male chameleon.

Blues, greens, and deep reds are all colors that are primarily displayed by adult males. Females on the other hand, tend to be duller and will usually be peach, pinkish, tan, grey, or brown in tone.

male furcifer pardalis
This is an adult, male Panther chameleon. He is very colorful, displaying brilliant blues, greens, reds, and whites.
female chameleon
Here is an adult female Panther chameleon. She is very brownish, peach in color with a hint of an orange stripe on her side. What a stark contrast to her male counterpart!

Tails 

Although male chameleons don’t have external genitalia like mammals do, they do still have a  trait that distinguishes them from females called the hemipenal bulge. The hemipenal bulge is a natural bulge at the base of the male’s tail where his reproductive organs are located.

panther chameleon hemipenal bulge
The red arrow is pointing to the male’s hemipenal bulge, which is noticeable from a young age, but does grow as the chameleon matures.

This trait is noticeable very early on in the chameleon’s life cycle. At even a young age, male Panthers have fatter and thicker tails bases than females. The females will actually have a small indent where the cloaca is located at the base of the tail.

Rostral Process (AKA Nose Ridge or Bump)

Once the males have grown a bit, they will begin to develop a ridge or bump on their nose that extends along back to both eyes. This will become quite large and pronounced as the males become fully mature.

Females on the other hand, might develop very tiny rostral processes, but they will always stay small, especially when compared to that of a male.

male panther chameleon rostral crest
Here’s a close up view of a male Panther chameleon’s rostral process. This ridge that forms a bulbous sort of “nose” on the males can be present in females, but will be much smaller.

Size

Full grown male Panther chameleons will grow to be anywhere from twelve to eighteen inches long. Females will be smaller – anywhere from ten to fourteen inches long.

female panther chameleon gender
This photo shows an adult female Panther being handled.

Males are also heftier and bulkier than females in general. Their tails will not only have bulges, but will be thicker in overall girth when compared with a female’s.

Conclusion

Sexing a baby Panther chameleon can be tricky. It’s best to wait at least a month or month and a half sometimes when determining gender. But if you are dealing with adult Panthers, the process is much easier as males and females are very different in terms of size, color, and even morphology to a certain extent.

If you are interested in owning your very own Panther chameleon, Backwater Reptiles offers both male and female Panther chameleons for sale. We also have a very informative blog article detailing how to breed Panther chameleons if you are interested in producing some cute little babies of your own.

How to Tell If Your Lizard Is Ready to Shed

~ BackwaterReptiles

Have you ever wondered how to tell if your pet lizard is preparing to shed its skin?

The truth of the matter is, all lizards shed their skin as they grow. This is because as the animal grows, its skin actually doesn’t grow with it, so when the animal outgrows the old skin, it becomes time for a new one. In scientific terms, this process is called ecdysis.

Some lizards will shed in a fast, singular fashion (i.e. shed their entire skin in a single session), but most shed their skin in pieces and the whole process may take several days to complete.

gecko shed comparison
These are both tangerine morph leopard geckos. The gecko on the left is grey and dull because it is preparing to shed. The gecko on the right however is displaying its natural vibrant orange coloration. Can you see the difference?

Signs Your Lizard is Going to Shed

Nearly all lizards will become duller in coloration. Normally shiny and even iridescent scales will become matte and have a grey cast to them. This is a classic sign and because it affects your lizard’s physical appearance, most pet owners will notice right away.

fat tail gecko shedding
This African Fat Tail Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) is preparing to shed. Normally this species of gecko is brown, but this guy is very dull and grey because he is in his pre-shed phase.

Your lizard’s behavior will also change. Many will refuse food for a day or two prior to shedding. Sometimes they will also become lethargic. They’ll probably be more secretive and will also dislike being handled or disturbed, so we recommend leaving them be until the process has finished.

What to Do When Your Pet Lizard Sheds

Due to temperament changes, we recommend minimal handling of your lizard during the shedding process.

Because the lizard will most likely refuse food, be sure to remove any crickets and other insects that aren’t being eaten. Crickets are known to nibble on vulnerable lizards, so if you don’t want your lizard to come to unnecessary harm, we recommend following this rule.

If your lizard is not grumpy, you can help it get rid of small pieces of skin that are loosely attached, but certainly don’t pull off pieces that are still hanging on to the animal as this could be painful.

chameleon shedding
Although this male Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) might appear bright, in truth, they are generally much more of a brilliant blue tone. This particular chameleon will begin his shed process in a few days, so he is much duller than normal.

Problem Shedding

Sometimes your lizard might have trouble getting rid of its shed skin. An improper shed is called dysecdysis and can be dangerous to your lizard.

A number of things can actually cause dysecdysis ranging from improper humidity conditions to an ill animal.

If you feel that your lizard is suffering from an incomplete shed, we recommend veterinary attention, however there are home remedies you can try. Make sure that the lizard has plenty of accessories to rub itself against as it will use these items to help stubborn skin pieces fall off. Provide a bowl of water large enough for the animal to soak in, or alternatively, give the lizard  mandatory soaking sessions in lukewarm water.

leopard gecko shed
Fun fact: When leopard geckos shed they actually eat the skin they lose. They are master recyclers!

Conclusion

All lizards shed as a part of their natural growth process. When you notice signs that your lizard is going to shed (i.e. change in appetite and dull coloration) try to disturb the animal as little as possible. And keep an eye out for incomplete sheds, which could be a sign of a larger issue in the lizard’s habitat.

Green Anole vs. Brown Anole

~ BackwaterReptiles

Reptile enthusiasts have been keeping anole lizards as pets for many years. They’re even readily available at chain pet stores these days. But did you know that there are actually many species of anoles? In this article, we’ll explain the similarities and details between the two most common types – the green anole (Anolis carolinensis) and the brown anole (Anolis sagrei).

Green Anole vs. Brown Anole

Morphology & Appearance

Would you believe that the main difference between brown and green anoles as far as looks go is color? The green anole is usually green and the brown anole is always some shade of brown…go figure, right?

As far as body shape goes, both species have long, lean bodies with limber legs and somewhat blocky, triangular heads. Each species also possesses a dewlap underneath its bottom jaw which is used in territorial displays. The green anole’s dewlap is pink or red while the brown anole’s is a dark reddish brown color.

brown anole pet
See how the dewlap on this Brown Anole is a deep red in color?

Both species are able to change color within a limited spectrum. The green anole can display either a bright green color or a dull, brown shade. The brown anole, on the other hand, cannot turn green (i.e. is always brown) and will usually have stripes, spots, or bars on its back.

Habits & Lifestyle

Both anole species are insectivorous and will consume any insect they can fit in their mouths. They will even cannibalize smaller anoles!

Both the green and brown anole are fairly small lizards reaching virtually the same size when fully mature. Males are generally larger than the females and will max out at around eight inches in length. The females will grow to be around six inches long.

green anole (anolis carolinensis)

Both species can be found in the U.S., although only the green anole is native. The brown anole originated in Cuba and the Bahamas and is therefore considered an invasive species in the U.S. Currently, the two species occupy much of the same habitat and territory and compete fiercely.

Anoles, both green and brown, are avid climbers and are commonly found in trees, sunning on fences, and on the sides of houses.

Keeping Anoles in Captivity

As previously mentioned, green and brown anoles are very common pet lizards with virtually the same care requirements. They are very easy to maintain and make great starter lizards.

Because anoles are arboreal lizards, make sure that you have more vertical than horizontal enclosure space for either species of anole. These guys are climbers and feel at home in foliage, so be sure you include some vines and/or plant foliage that they can hide in.

Both green and brown anoles are “sunny” little lizards that enjoy warm climates, so your anole should get around eight hours of daylight (i.e. full spectrum UV lighting) as well as a heat lamp that maintains basking temperature of approximately 90 degrees in the daytime.

green anole
Here’s a top view of the Green Anole.

You can feed both species of anole crickets, meal worms, small roaches, and other appropriately-sized feeder invertebrates. A water dish can be provided, but don’t be surprised if your anole won’t drink from it, since not all anoles seem to recognize a water dish. Also, make sure the dish is very shallow because anoles can be trapped easily and drown in a deep water dish. If your anole doesn’t hydrate from a water dish, it will lap water that collects in little pools on leaves and branches, so misting would then be a requirement.

green anole vs brown anole

We hope this helps shed some light on the similarities and differences between these two common lizards. Backwater Reptiles offers both green anoles for sale as well as brown anoles for sale on our website.