The Parsons Chameleon is a unique looking, beautiful creature. Like other chameleons, the Parsons Chameleon has the ability to change color in response to its environment.

The Parsons Chameleon is an aesthetically pleasing animal. It is important to understand that the Parsons Chameleon isn't terribly active, and does not move much. If one wishes to have a reptile that moves around a great deal, the Parsons Chameleon should be avoided. It is also important to understand that the Parsons Chameleon is rather delicate and difficult to care for. Therefore, it is very important that one should have previous experience with reptiles if one is considering keeping the Parsons Chameleon. In spite of all this, if one has the experience and know-how, the Parsons Chameleon is a fascinating creature, and can be a wonderful display animal.

The appearance of the Parsons Chameleon is both unique, striking, and, in some ways, ever-changing. The body of the Parsons Chameleon is fairly long, with the male reaching around 23.5 inches and the female being slightly shorter than the male. The Parsons Chameleon is one the largest of all Chameleon species. The eyes of the Parsons Chameleon bulge from the head of the animal, and are spherical in shape, which allows the creature to see 360 degrees around its body. Each eye can move independently of the other. The males have blunt horns on their snouts. The diet of the Parsons Chameleon consists mainly of insects of various sizes and at times, small vertebrates. When in captivity, the Parsons Chameleon will usually eat adult crickets or grubs. The Parsons Chameleon uses its tongue, which extends to one-and-a-half times the length of its body, to catch its prey. The feet of the Parsons Chameleon are shaped a little like mittens and help the animal climb trees.

The Parsons Chameleon is found naturally in the rainforests in Eastern Madagascar. First identified in 1824, the scientific name for the Parsons Chameleon is Chameleo parsonii. The Parsons Chameleon spends its life almost exclusively in trees. In fact, the life of the Chameleon is put in jeopardy when it is on the ground, as it is rather clumsy when not in a tree and therefore can be subject to becoming the prey of a predator.

As stated, the Parsons Chameleon is a rather difficult creature to care for. This animal must have extensive housing in order for it to survive. Additionally, it is very important that special minerals and vitamins are provided as a supplement to the diet of this creature. The enclosure should have lots of sturdy branches and plants. It is important that the Parsons Chameleon have exposure to full spectrumUV lights, and a drip system or very frequent misting is needed to help maintain humididty and provide water droplets for them to drink.

In captivity, the Parsons Chameleon may breed and have a clutch approximately every six to eight months. The incubation time may vary due to how long the eggs are in diapause (when the eggs have no blood vessels forming) but the average time is from 18-26 months. Clutch sizes are variable and one may see as few as 15 to as many as 27. Once the eggs hatch, the babies of the species are completely independent.