# Jackson's Chameleon (*Chamaeleo jacksonii*) Jackson's Chameleon is special because it has three horns on its head, just like a dinosaur! They are very good at climbing and hiding. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Rainforests and highland areas - **Also known as:** Chamaeleon Jacksonii ![Jackson's Chameleon](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426526/objects/5682.jpg) ## Appearance The Jackson's Chameleon is a strikingly vibrant reptile, often brilliant green with yellow or blue markings. Males are easily identified by their three prominent brown horns on their face, making them visually distinct from most other chameleons. Its skin has a bumpy, textured appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Chamaeleonidae - **Genus:** Trioceros ## Interesting facts - Instead of laying eggs, Jackson's Chameleons give birth to tiny live babies! - Jackson's Chameleons drink water by licking dew and raindrops off leaves. - Males have three horns, just like ancient mythological creatures! - They use their special tong-like feet to grip branches extremely tightly. ## Special abilities - **Super Sticky Tongue:** Jackson's Chameleon can shoot its super sticky tongue out twice its body length to snatch insects in a flash. - **Independent Eye Vision:** Jackson's Chameleon has eyes that move separately, allowing it to look forward and backward at the same time. - **Prehensile Tail Anchor:** Jackson's Chameleon has a prehensile tail that wraps around branches, acting like an extra hand for gripping and balance. - **Rapid Color Shift:** Jackson's Chameleon can quickly change its skin color to blend into its surroundings or express its mood to other chameleons. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 15-38 cm - **Weight:** 0.1-0.2 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-10 years - **Speed:** 0.5 km/h ## Diet & Feeding This chameleon loves to eat many different types of insects and other small creepy crawlies. - **Primary Foods:** Crickets, Grasshoppers, Flies, Spiders, Moths - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [Field Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-cricket) (*Gryllus bimaculatus*) — A common insect prey item. - **Eaten by:** African Goshawk (*Accipiter tachiro*) — Predatory bird in its native habitat. - **Eaten by:** Twig Snake (*Thelotornis kirtlandii*) — A camouflaged snake that preys on chameleons. - **Shelter:** Sycamore Fig (*Ficus sycomorus*) — Provides excellent hiding places. ## Traits - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Jackson's Chameleon? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Jackson's Chameleon? 15-38 cm ### How much does Jackson's Chameleon weigh? 0.1-0.2 kg ### How long does Jackson's Chameleon live? 5-10 years ### How fast can Jackson's Chameleon move? 0.5 km/h ### What does Jackson's Chameleon eat? This chameleon loves to eat many different types of insects and other small creepy crawlies. ### Where is Jackson's Chameleon usually found? Rainforests and highland areas ### How does Jackson's Chameleon hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Kahanu Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kahanu-garden) — Hawaii, US · Botanical Garden - [Enchanted Floral Gardens of Kula](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/enchanted-floral-gardens-of-kula) — Hawaii, US · Botanical Garden - [Kalopa State Recreation Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kalopa-state-recreation-area) — Hawaii, US · Botanical Garden - [Kula Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kula-botanical-garden) — Hawaii, US · Botanical Garden - [Wahiawa Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/wahiawa-botanical-garden) — Hawaii, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Jackson's Chameleon](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/jackson-s-chameleon) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Jackson's Chameleon: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/jackson-s-chameleon)