Saturday 15 June Flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) Flap-
necked chameleon fact file - Find out more - Print factsheet
Flap-necked chameleon description The flap-necked chameleon’s
common name derives from the large, movable flaps that protrude
from either side of the upper surface of its neck (2) (4).
Normally these flaps lie flat, over a bony protuberance at the
back of the head called a “casque” (2), but during threat
displays to deter rivals or predators, they can be raised and
angled at 90 degrees to the head (2) (4). Males can be
distinguished from females by their taller casques, larger flaps
and by the small spurs which protrude from the hind legs of some
subspecies. At rest, the flap-necked chameleon’s body
colouration is usually light green, brown or yellow, with a
light or dark stripe extending across the flanks. The flap-
necked chameleon’s body is diffusely marked with numerous dark
spots, which become bright yellow or orange when it is excited
or ready to mate (2). Two low crests formed fro