It is important to know if your chameleon is male or female because it allows you to take care of them properly. The females of many species of this animal have to follow a more complex diet and need special attention when laying eggs; males are typically more resilient and are therefore more suitable for beginners. All chameleons are solitary creatures and prefer to live in individual terrariums, but this detail is even more important for males who could fight for territory if they found themselves sharing the same cage. It is not always possible to determine the sex of a young specimen, as it does not develop color and other typical characteristics until it reaches several weeks of life.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Distinguish the Gender of Any Species
Step 1. Check for the presence of the protuberance of the hemipenis
Many species of chameleons have a barely visible detail that indicates the genital area. This small protuberance is found on the abdominal region of the males, just at the base of the tail; it may not develop until the animal reaches several months of age. Females, on the other hand, have a smooth abdomen also in this area.
Step 2. Observe the color
That of chameleons varies widely according to the species, but it is not uncommon for male specimens to display a more lively livery. In many common species only the male has a striped color; however, if you buy a "puppy", it is likely that this trait has not yet developed. Depending on the variety, it may take a few months for the color of the animal to be defined.
Females can display very attractive colors when in heat and striking livery when pregnant and have eggs
Step 3. Examine the dimensions
In most species, males tend to be larger. Sometimes, however, the difference could be almost imperceptible or very evident, in some cases the male can reach twice the size of the female; however, there is a wide variety based on the species and the care given to the animal. In some breeds the female specimens are larger and in others there is no difference in size.
Step 4. Find out about the species you have
If you know who the specimen belongs to, look for sexual characteristics that help you understand if it is male or female; if you don't know the breed, go to the library or do an online search to find out more. Look at the pictures to find the species your chameleon looks like.
- There are more than 180 types of chameleons classified around the world, but only a few are kept as pets.
- Ask the breeder. If you can't determine the sex or species your little reptile belongs to, check with the shop where you bought it. This is important information to properly care for your pet, so it should be able to provide it to you.
- If you have caught a specimen from the wild, research the native species of your region; However, be aware that taking and keeping wild animals is dangerous to your health, as well as illegal.
Part 2 of 2: Distinguishing the Gender of Common Domestic Species
Step 1. Identify the gender of the panther chameleon
Check for the hemipenal bump. Males have a small bulge at the base of the tail, while females have a completely smooth abdomen. The male specimens are larger and can reach 50 cm in length; panther chameleons sport many bright colors, but the males are particularly adorable.
Step 2. Check out the veiled chameleon
Identify the tarsal spurs, small protuberances in the back of each leg that are present only in males; if the veiled chameleon does not have these spurs, it is a female. When the male reaches several months of age, he may also show the slight swelling of the hemipenis at the base of the tail.
- If you have more than one specimen, you should notice obvious sexual characteristics (sexual dimorphism); males have a larger helmet, are larger and sport brighter colors.
- The "helmet" is a protuberance that is found on the head and which can reach 7-8 cm in males.
Step 3. Identify the gender of a Jackson's chameleon
Again, you need to look for the hemipenal bulge, the swelling at the base of the tail found only in males. Although both sexes of this species are born with horns over the eyes and mouth, this is a more common feature among males.
Step 4. Look at the Side Furcifer, also called Carpet Chameleon
Check for the presence of the genital protuberance typical of males which is located near the tail; also remember that these are larger than the females, which barely reach 20 cm in length and have a smooth abdomen.
Step 5. Distinguish the sex of a Kinyongia fischeri
Males have swelling of the hemipenis, while both sexes have a forked rostrum, a sort of elongated snout; however, this is a more evident feature in males and sometimes absent in females.
Step 6. Study a eared chameleon specimen
Females are larger than males and can reach 40 cm in length; check that the smaller specimens have the protuberance of the hemipenis.
Step 7. Observe a four-horned chameleon
Note the presence of horns on the muzzle, males usually have two to six. These animals possess a large crest on the back and a helmet, that is, a protuberance on the head. Males are endowed with the swelling of the hemipenis, while females have a smooth body and do not possess horns, helmet and crest.
Step 8. Distinguish a male Trioceros melleri from a female
Observe the presence of the eggs; it is extremely difficult to differentiate between the two sexes, as they are virtually identical in appearance. If you have several such chameleons, try to "catch them in the act" when they mate. Females lay eggs.
In addition to this method, an x-ray is the only way to determine the sex of this animal
Step 9. Identify the sex of a Furcifer oustaleti
Observe if the animal is green, since only the females of this species can show this color; however, both genders can be gray, brown, black or white. Don't forget to look for hemipenal swelling, which is irrefutable clue to a male chameleon. The female is usually smaller, while the male can reach 75 cm.
