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Brookesia stumpffi

Brookesia stumpffi, also known as the plated leaf chameleon, is a small chameleon species native to several islands off the coast of Madagascar, including Nosy Be, Nosy Komba, and Nosy Sakatia. It is commonly found in rainforest habitats and is characterized by its maximum total length of up to 9 cm. This species has a relatively short lifespan and a specific diet of insects.

Key Facts

  • Found on islands off the coast of Madagascar, including Nosy be, Nosy Komba, and Nosy Sakatia.
  • Reaches a maximum total length of up to 9 cm (3.5 inches).
  • Feeds on a variety of insects such as crickets, fruit flies, and grasshoppers.
  • Females lay 3-5 eggs, which hatch in 60-70 days at 23°C.
  • Has a life expectancy of at least three years.
  • Classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN.
Brookesia stumpffi
Scientific Name
Brookesia stumpffi
Family
Chamaeleonidae
Common Names

Plated Leaf Chameleon

Geographic Distribution

Nosy Be, Madagascar, Nosy Komba, Madagascar, Nosy Sakatia, Madagascar, North-West Madagascar

Physical Description

Can Grow To A Total Length of Up To 9 cm .

Diet

Insects, Crickets, Fruit Flies, Cockroaches, Wax Moths, Grasshoppers

Lifespan Years
At least 3
Diet Category

About Brookesia stumpffi

Brookesia stumpffi, commonly known as the plated leaf chameleon, is a species of chameleon native to several islands off the coast of Madagascar. It was first described by German zoologist Oskar Boettger in 1894, with the specific name honoring Anton Stumpff, who collected the original specimen.

Geographic Range and Habitat

This species is found on the islands of Nosy Be (also referred to as Nosy Bé), Nosy Komba, and Nosy Sakatia, all located off the north-west coast of Madagascar. Brookesia stumpffi is predominantly found in rainforest environments and has been observed at elevations up to 150 meters above sea level. The species appears to be adaptable to disturbed habitats.

Physical Characteristics and Diet

The plated leaf chameleon is a small species, reaching a total length of up to 9 cm (3.5 inches), including its tail. Its diet consists of various insects, such as crickets, fruit flies, cockroaches, wax moths, and grasshoppers.

Reproduction and Lifespan

During the reproductive cycle, female Brookesia stumpffi lay between three and five eggs. These eggs typically hatch within 60 to 70 days when maintained at a temperature of approximately 23°C (73°F). The species has a documented life expectancy of at least three years.

Conservation Status

Brookesia stumpffi is currently listed as 'Least Concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). There are no major known threats to the species, and it is sometimes kept as a pet and has been domesticated.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can Brookesia stumpffi be found?

Brookesia stumpffi is found on several islands off the coast of Madagascar, specifically Nosy Be (also known as Nosy Bé), Nosy Komba, and Nosy Sakatia. These locations are situated in the north-west region of Madagascar.

What is the typical habitat of the plated leaf chameleon?

The plated leaf chameleon, or Brookesia stumpffi, is commonly found in rainforest environments. They can inhabit areas up to 150 meters above sea level.

What does Brookesia stumpffi eat?

Brookesia stumpffi has a diet that consists of various insects. This includes prey such as crickets, fruit flies, cockroaches, wax moths (waxworms), and grasshoppers.

How does Brookesia stumpffi reproduce?

Female Brookesia stumpffi lay between three and five eggs. These eggs typically hatch within 60 to 70 days, provided they are kept at a temperature of around 23°C (73°F).

What is the size and lifespan of Brookesia stumpffi?

Brookesia stumpffi can grow to a total length, including its tail, of up to 9 cm (3.5 inches). The species has a documented life expectancy of at least three years.

What is the conservation status of Brookesia stumpffi?

The conservation status of Brookesia stumpffi is listed as 'Least Concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species appears adaptable to disturbed habitats and faces no known major threats.