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What’s the Difference Between A Piebald Veiled Chameleon And A Veiled Chameleon (Investigated)

What’s the Difference Between A Piebald Veiled Chameleon And A Veiled Chameleon (Investigated)

Chameleons are reptiles that belong to the iguana suborder. They’re one of the few animals that can change their color. The misconception is that chameleons change colors to blend in. That’s not the case. You can find almost 171 different species of chameleons around the world.

A veiled chameleon is one of the chameleon species, and Piebald is a veiled chameleon with a rare genetic condition. There is not much difference between the piebald veiled and a veiled chameleon.

The veiled chameleon, or cone-headed chameleon, is a lizard native to the Arabian Peninsula. They get their name from a casque on their head that looks like a shark fin.

While the piebald veiled chameleon is the veiled chameleon with the difference in pigmentation, it lacks pigment in a few areas of its body. That’s why they are known as piebalds.

If you want to know more about chameleons, read on.

What Is A Veiled Chameleon?

A veiled chameleon is a striking-looking lizard with a tall casque on its head. (a helmet-like structure) 

The Veiled Chameleon has a green, yellow, or brown band around its body that adjusts to different shades. Both sexes have casques, and they help steer water that falls on their heads into their mouths. This casque also allows the chameleon to store fats.

The veiled chameleon is a popular pet with an average life span of eight years. It eats insects and worms primarily, so it has a long, sticky tongue that helps it catch prey. Leafy greens are also a part of its diet.

What Is A Piebald Veiled Chameleon?

Piebald veiled chameleons are veiled chameleons that have distinctive patterns of discoloration on their feet, faces, and tails. These patches are healthy and harmless for the animal.

The name Piebalds originated from pigment mutations. It means parts of their body have white patches. A lack of pigment causes these patches. Other than that, these chameleons are the same as that veiled chameleons.

Here is a short video clip of a piebald veiled chameleon.

Piebald Veiled Chameleon.

Know The Difference

The veiled chameleon and the piebald veiled chameleon are both the same species. Both look the same.

The piebald chameleon has colorless patches on certain parts of its body, like its head, foreleg, tail, etc. Besides that, they’re pretty similar to veiled chameleons and change their color, too.

Do Piebald Veiled Chameleons Change Color?

Piebald veiled chameleon does change color just like an ordinary veiled chameleon.

Most of the time, the chameleon changes its color to blend in with its surroundings or camouflage itself. However, it’s not the only reason. It also changes color with fluctuation in its mood. You’ll also witness a shift in color as you change its surrounding habitat.

Are There Different Types Of Veiled Chameleons?

In veiled chameleons, you can witness two subspecies, namely;

  • C. calyptratus calyptratus
  • C. calyptratus calcarifer

These two are classified based on the difference in their casque. The casque of C. calcarifer usually is lower than that of C. calyptratus. So you can quickly identify them just by observing their physical appearance closely.

An image of a veiled chameleon perched on a hand of its owner.
A veiled chameleon eating its meal.

Why Is Vieled Chameleon Called Piebald?

The veiled chameleon is called piebald due to the colorless white patches scattered on its skin.

The word “piebald” came from “pie” and “bald,” which translates to ‘white patch.’ This word is not just restricted to this chameleon. It is used occasionally for any animal with white patches on its skin.

What Does It Mean When A Chameleon Turns Its Tail?

A chameleon’s tail curls for various reasons, including to intimidate rivals, to show contentment and relaxation, and to help them keep their balance and hold on to things.

Chameleons usually have long, round tails that makeup about half their body length. They use the tails for all sorts of things. 

Chameleons are very expressive creatures. They can utilize their tails to communicate with each other, just as they use their color-changing abilities to show changes in mood.

Is A Chameleon A Good Pet?

Chameleons can make excellent pets under the right circumstances, but they’re not for everyone. 

There’s a specific care regimen for chameleons, and you don’t have to touch them much. Some might find that appealing, and others might not.

An image of a veiled chameleon.
Veiled Chameleon.

A chameleon is a shy and relaxed creature who likes to be by itself. You won’t need to worry about getting a partner for them, but you’ll need to respect their personal space. So, if you want a touchy and cuddly pet, a chameleon is not a suitable choice.

How Long Piebald Chameleon Live?

The average piebald chameleon’s lifespan is five years.

However, if they are given a suitable habitat and pampered correctly, this life span can increase up to eight years.

Which Is The Smallest Pet Chameleon?

The smallest pet chameleon is known as the Pygmy chameleon.

They are one of the smallest vertebrates living on Earth. Their maximum length is up to eight centimeters. You can find nineteen different subspecies of Pygmy in the world.

What Do Piebald Chameleons Eat?

Most chameleons, including the piebald, like to eat insect-based food. Sometimes, they also eat some leafy parts of the plants.

Here is a list of things you can feed to your chameleon.

  • Give them worms or crickets daily.
  • Your veiled chameleon also needs to be fed on green plants once daily.
  • You also have to feed them dust insects mixed with calcium supplements two times per week.
  • They also need fresh mist in their habitat daily as they only feed on the water by licking their skin.

Do Veiled Chameleons Like To Be Held?

Chameleons neither like to be held nor petted. However, you can still do it.

Chameleons are shy creatures. They like to be alone in their place. You have to be patient in taking care of them. Even after getting familiar, they don’t appreciate it if someone touches them frequently. So avoid doing that.

Do Chameleons Get Attached To Their Owners?

Chameleons don’t get attached to their owners as their brains cannot process any emotions, including love and attachment.

Chameleons don’t bond with their owners. They can assess you as a threat or nonthreat. If they notice that you’re giving them food and not interfering with their boundaries, they’ll stop hiding from you at most.

Final Thoughts

  • Piebald chameleons show patches on specific body parts, unlike regular ones.
  • Chameleons, including piebald ones, change color due to mood and environment.
  • Veiled chameleons have subspecies based on their head casque differences.
  • “Piebald” means white patches on chameleon skin, not just for one type.
  • Chameleons use their curled tails for balance and communication.
  • Keeping chameleons as pets needs specific care. They need respect for their solitary nature.
  • Piebald chameleons live around five years. However, they can reach eight with proper care.
  • Feeding pygmy chameleons includes insects. Also, some leafy parts for nutrition.

Besides this, both chameleons have precisely the same physical and behavioral characteristics.

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