58o CHAMAELEONTES chap, xii 



interrupted by several blue spots. When they are angry or 

 unhappy the red turns into dirty brown, and the green becomes 

 quite dull. Sometimes the whole animal tiu'ns dull Ijlack. 



This pretty little species is relatively hardy, being, as a native 

 of South Africa, accustomed to cold nights. It does well in 

 an ordinary temperate greenhouse, where it will live for several 

 years, provided it has an ample supply of flies and meal-worms. 

 It is viviparous, the young being probably born in the month 

 of March or April. 



Ch. hificlus, of Madagascar, shows an extraordinary difference 

 between the sexes. The male reaches the great length of 

 16 inches, and develops two long rostral processes, which 

 extend forwards beyond the snout ; these processes are formed of 

 dense connective tissue, which ossifies in the adult, and they are 

 covered with scaly skin. 



Ch. parsoni, likewise of Madagascar, is the giant amongst 

 Chameleons, reaching a total length of 2 feet. The male has 

 two large rostral processes which diverge upwards and outwards. 



Brookesia, with several species in Madagascar, may be 

 mentioned on account of its stunted appearance. The tail is 

 much shorter than the body and scarcely prehensile ; the scales on 

 the soles are spinous. Total length only about 3 inches. 



Rhamplioleon, of tropical continental Africa, with several 

 species, is likewise remarkable for the stunted and dwarfed appear- 

 ance, and for the peculiar claws, each of which is furnished with 

 a second cusp which is directed downwards. The tail is much 

 shorter than the body. The total length of Bh. spectrum of the 

 Camaroous is about 3 inches. 



