{"product_id":"giant-spiny-chameleon-1","title":"Giant Spiny Chameleon (Furcifer verrucosus)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiant Spiny Chameleon (Furcifer verrucosus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eFurcifer verrucosus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Giant Spiny Chameleon, Warty Chameleon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults typically reach \u003cstrong\u003e17–22 inches (43–56 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e in total length, with males being larger and more ornamented than females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Giant Spiny Chameleon is robust and heavily armoured in appearance, with pronounced lateral spines and a tall, serrated dorsal ridge. Their colouration ranges from earthy browns and greys to muted greens, sometimes with mottling or faint barring. Males exhibit a taller casque, larger body mass, and a more dramatic crest, while females display softer tones and smoother contours. Their size and heavily textured features make them one of the most imposing chameleon species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Endemic to Madagascar, particularly in the \u003cstrong\u003ewestern and southwestern dry forest regions\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species inhabits dry deciduous forests, thorn scrub, and semi-arid landscapes. They utilise scattered shrubs and trees for perching, basking, and shelter, thriving in areas with abundant sunlight and natural airflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Giant Spiny Chameleons are diurnal, solitary, and territorial. They move slowly and deliberately but can quickly become defensive, inflating their bodies, hissing, and showing bold displays. They primarily consume insects, though larger adults may opportunistically take small vertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a vertically oriented enclosure at least \u003cstrong\u003e36 inches × 24 inches × 26 inches (90 × 60 × 66 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e for an adult. Furnish the space with sturdy branches, thick vines, cork bark, and dense foliage. Because this species benefits from strong airflow, a screened or partially screened setup is ideal. Ensure multiple basking and shaded perches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature and Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBasking area: 90–100°F (32–38°C)\u003cbr\u003eAmbient temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)\u003cbr\u003eNight temperatures: 70–75°F (21–24°C)\u003cbr\u003eMaintain humidity at \u003cstrong\u003e50–70%\u003c\/strong\u003e, with morning and evening misting. Allow the enclosure to dry significantly during the day to replicate natural semi-arid conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide strong full-spectrum lighting with \u003cstrong\u003emoderate UVB (5–10%)\u003c\/strong\u003e. A bright basking zone is essential for metabolic function and natural behaviours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a varied insectivorous diet including roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae, silkworms, hornworms, and occasional waxworms. Adults may be offered small vertebrates sparingly, though this is optional. Dust food items with calcium routinely and use multivitamins weekly. Feed juveniles daily and adults every 1–2 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Giant Spiny Chameleons can be bold and defensive. They thrive in spacious setups with dense vegetation and stable environmental conditions. When comfortable, they display natural basking, lateral displays, and active hunting behaviours. Handling should be kept to a minimum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• This species prefers a \u003cstrong\u003edrier\u003c\/strong\u003e environment than rainforest chameleons.\u003cbr\u003e• Provide strong branches that can support their heavier body weight.\u003cbr\u003e• Males are highly territorial and must be housed individually.\u003cbr\u003e• Ensure excellent ventilation to prevent respiratory issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Giant Spiny Chameleon is a member of the family Chamaeleonidae and the genus \u003cem\u003eFurcifer\u003c\/em\u003e, known for large-bodied, display-oriented Malagasy species. \u003cem\u003eFurcifer verrucosus\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the largest and most distinctive chameleons in Madagascar’s dry forest ecosystems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no recognized morphs for the Giant Spiny Chameleon. Natural genetic diversity includes differences in crest height, lateral spine size, and earth-tone body colours. These variations arise naturally among individuals and across regional populations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43799514218711,"sku":"CITESII","price":200.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0016\/8611\/0252\/files\/IMG_4885.jpg?v=1790270689","url":"https:\/\/tailsandscales.ca\/products\/giant-spiny-chameleon-1","provider":"Tails and Scales ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}