Carpet chameleon

Carpet chameleon
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Lacertilia
Family: Chamaeleonidae
Genus: Furcifer
Species: F. lateralis
Binomial name
Furcifer lateralis
Gray, 1831

Furcifer lateralis, also known as the carpet chameleon or the white-lined chameleon, is a species of chameleon that is endemic to Madagascar. It was described in 1831 by John Edward Gray.

Description and habitat

Furcifer lateralis can be mainly found in central Madagascar.[2] According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species is found around the entirety of Madagascar except the northern part. It can be found between 120 and 1,925 metres (394 and 6,316 ft) above sea level and has been estimated to be found over an area of 467,634 square kilometres (180,554 sq mi), and is ranked as Least Concern (LC).[1] The population of Furcifer lateralis is currently stable.[1]

Description

Both sexes of Furcifer lateralis can reach a maximum length of anything between 17 and 25 centimetres (6.7 and 9.8 in). The males are largely green and females are heavier-bodied and have a wider range of colours, including bands of white, yellow and orange. Both sexes have stripy throats and lips. They can change their colour depending on their mood and environmental factors and they usually start the day with a dark colour to enable them to warm up rapidly by exposing themselves to sunlight.[3] This species is one of the smallest "true" species of chameleon, and they are timid and shy.[4]

Reproduction

Furcifer lateralis adults mature at the age of three months. Females lay between eight and twenty-three eggs at one time, and can produce up to three clutches a year. The eggs have to be maintained at a steady temperature of about 24 °C (75 °F).[3]

Taxonomy

Furcifer lateralis is also commonly known as the jewel chameleon,[5] the white-lined chameleon,[1] and the carpet chameleon.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Jenkins, R.K.B.; Andreone, F.; Andriamazava, A.; Anjeriniaina, M.; Brady, L.; Glaw, F.; Griffiths, R.A.; Rabibisoa, N.; Rakotomalala, D.; Randrianantoandro, J.C.; et al. (2011). "Furcifer lateralis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 2012-11-22.
  2. ↑ "Furcifer lateralis | The Reptile Database". Reptile-database.reptarium.cz. 1946-08-22. Retrieved 2012-11-11.
  3. 1 2 Barcelow, Gregg (2002-09-04). "ADW: Furcifer lateralis: INFORMATION". Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu. Retrieved 2012-11-11.
  4. ↑ "Furcifer lateralis lateralis". Chameleon World Muji. Archived from the original on 2014-01-31. Retrieved 2012-11-11.
  5. ↑ "Jewel chameleon videos, photos and facts - Furcifer lateralis". ARKive. Retrieved 2012-11-11.
  6. ↑ "Jewelled Chameleon (Furcifer lateralis)". wildherps.com. Retrieved 2012-11-11.
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