Yellow-Lip Parson’s Chameleon for Sale

The Parson’s chameleon (Calumma parsonii ) is a big chameleon species belonging to the genus Chamaeleo. This species can only be found in the eastern and northern regions of Madagascar, namely in patches of humid primary forest. It is protected because it is on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. While it is illegal to export most species of chameleons from Madagascar, a small number of Parson’s chameleons can be taken out of their home nation each year.

Appearance

C. parsonii males have ridges that go from above the eyes to the snout, producing two warty horns, and are among the biggest chameleons in the world (often regarded the largest by weight, but shorter than the Madagascar giant chameleon, which retains the distinction for the largest by length). Two distinct varieties exist: Calumma p. parsonii, a common species, has a maximum body length of 68 cm (27 inches) (head to tail), making it roughly the size of a house cat, and lacks a dorsal crest.

The Andasibe Calumma p. cristifer grows to a maximum length of 47 cm (18+12 in) and has a very tiny dorsal crest. It is debatable whether the many color forms seen within the region usually included in the nominate subspecies should be considered morphs or separate subspecies (at present, most consider them morphs).

One variety, known as the “orange eye” or “white-lipped” male, is small and mostly green or turquoise, but has yellow or orange eyelids; another, known as the “yellow lip” male, is a bit bigger and mostly green or turquoise, but has a yellow edge to his mouth; still another, known as the “yellow giant” male, is very large and overall yellowish (strongly marked with dusky when stressed); and yet another, known as the “green giant” Generally speaking, male C. p. cristifer are a greenish-turquoise color. The females of both subspecies are smaller than their male counterparts and can be various shades of green, yellow, or brown (often with an orange tinge).