What Do Chamaeleo Pardalis Eat?

Chamaeleo Pardalis is the Latin name for the colorful panther chameleon. These large, tree-dwelling lizards are native to Madagascar but appear in many other countries as exotic pets. Male chameleons, in particular, are a favorite of many hobbyists because of their brilliant red, green, yellow or blue coloration, which changes frequently according to the chameleon's mood and environment. However, only healthy, well-fed lizards retain these brilliant colors, so it is important you give your lizard a healthy, balanced diet.

  1. Roaches and Crickets

    • Cockroaches and crickets are among the most nutritional foods for a Chamaeleo Pardalis because they are easy to gut-load before offering them to your chameleon. Gut-loading involves feeding the insects wholesome foods, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, fish flakes or a commercial insect food, at least four hours before they are placed in the chameleon's cage. This is necessary because commercially-raised insects are not as high in nutrition as wild foods.

    Insects, Worms and Mice

    • Houseflies, fruitflies, mantids, superworms, mealworms, waxworms, hornworms and silkworms are also an essential part of a leopard chameleon's diet. You can purchase these at pet stores or raise your own. Some breeders caution against mealworms, however, because they have less nutritional value than other food sources and their exoskeletons can build up in the chameleon's intestines, causing blockage. Waxworms should also be offered sparingly, as they are high in fat. Leopard chameleons can also eat wild insects; however, beware of feeding it anything that has been contaminated by pesticides. Avoid any stinging insects and fireflies, which may kill the lizard. As a treat, you can also offer your Chamaeleo Pardalis a pinky mouse.

    Food Preparation

    • Dust each insect with a calcium supplement before placing it into the lizard's cage. Once or twice a week dust it with a vitamin and mineral supplement. Since leopard chameleons prefer live food, you can usually place the insects into a cup filled with the supplement and allow them to coat themselves. Every cricket and roach should have a diameter less than one-third the width of the lizard's head and should be shorter than the distance between its eyes. This ensures that it is small enough for the chameleon to safely consume.

    Feeding

    • Feed young panther chameleons every day and mature ones every other day. As the lizards grow older, their appetite decreases, but this should not be cause for concern. You may not initially see your Chamaeleo Pardalis eat, since it will slowly hunt and consume the insects one at a time. But a healthy lizard will consume all its food before the next day. Whenever possible, offer it 8 to 10 live insects at a time. However, if this is not possible, as when feeding young chameleons, which may eat 20 to 30 insects a day, place a bowl of insects into the bottom of the cage.