What Do Chameleons Eat?

The diet of both captive and wild chameleons consists largely of insects, although many species have been known to eat vegetables and plant material. Larger chameleons tend to have a more diverse feeding behavior, consuming small birds and other lizards. All captive chameleons should be given supplements to make up for the nutrients they would naturally receive in the wild.

  1. Insects

    • Most species of chameleons are naturally insectivores and will eat insects such as crickets, locusts, meal worms, wax worms and flies. Young chameleons can be fed fruit flies, since they are smaller and easier to digest. Generally, insects should be kept alive for the chameleon. Zoo keepers and some chameleon enthusiasts "gut load" the insects by allowing them to eat vegetables and supplements as a way for the chameleon to absorb these nutrients.

    Plant Matter

    • A few species, such as Jackson's chameleon and the veiled chameleon, will eat plant matter in addition to dry insects. Watercress, shredded carrots, sweet potatoes and spring greens are commonly fed to these species of chameleons. Dandelion leaves can also be picked, but it is important to wash them first and be sure there are no pesticides on them. Add the vegetables in the same container as the live insects, as the insects may eat the vegetables and pass the nutrients on to the chameleon.

    Supplements

    • Chameleons require calcium supplements in their diet since insects generally do not fill this nutritional need. Most chameleon owners dust the live insects with a supplement to ensure the chameleon takes it into its body. Insects can also be fed the supplement before being placed in the chameleon's cage. A beneficial supplement will have a 2 to 1 calcium to phosphorus ratio. A vitamin D3 supplement is also necessary, since captive chameleons are not able to metabolize it from the sun.

    Other Food

    • In the wild, some large chameleons will eat small birds and other lizards. Some have also known to consume wild berries. Some chameleon owners feed their pets pinky mice, which are newborn mice that can be purchased in a pet store. Not all chameleons will eat pinky mice, but those that do can be given one mouse a week. Small lizards, such as brown and green anoles, can also be given to chameleons.