User:S jacob1102/sandbox
Bones[edit]
On January 18, 2018, it was discovered that certain species of chameleons had bones that glow when under UV light, also known as biogenic fluorescence.[1] Around 31 different species of Calumma chameleons, all native to Madagascar, were tested through Micro CT scans.[1] Researchers learned that the bones emitted a bright blue glow and could even shine through the chameleon's four layers of skin.[2] The face was found to have a different glow, appearing as dots otherwise known as tubercles. This glow is due to the proteins, pigments, chitin, and other materials that make up a chameleon's skeleton.[2] The fluorescence gives chameleons a secondary signaling system that doesn't interfere with their color-changing ability and may have been a substrate for sexual selection in the past.[2]
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Chameleons in Captivity[edit]
As Pets[edit]
Like all pets, chameleons need adequate care in order to thrive. In captivity. chameleons should be kept at temperatures around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night.[3] Baby chameleons under four months of age should be kept at a temperature of around 82 degrees Fahrenheit and under.[3] As chameleons mostly drink water from leaves (in the form of dew or rainwater) it is important to mist the vivarium of chameleon at least twice a day to ensure it has enough to drink.[4]
Illnesses[edit]
If a chameleon sheds its skin and patches of the old skin still remain, it can be a sign of illness.[3]
Chameleons can become calcium deficient if they do not get enough vitamin D.[4] Ultra Violet B lighting can help this in pet chameleons.[4]
Edema is swelling in the subcutaneous layer of the skin due to excess bodily fluids.[5] This can be caused by overloading the chameleon's crickets in vitamins.[5]
Chameleons in Captivity[edit]
Chameleons are a common reptile that people keep as pets. Like other reptiles in captivity, special care is required in order to maintain the health of the chameleon. Large terrariums, cages, and aquariums need to be carefully temperature controlled, supplied with plenty of water, and contain many branches for climbing.[4] Unlike other reptiles, however, chameleons are quite difficult to maintain. They are prone to many illnesses such as Vitamin D deficiency, Edema, Stomatitis, and Metabolic Bone Disease.[4] [5][6] Their diets are also complex consisting of various insects such as crickets, mealworms, and wax moths.[6] UVB lamps control the temperature within the terrarium and are used as a replacement to the natural sunlight a chameleon would receive to control body temperature in the wild.[4]
- ^ a b "Chameleon Bones Glow in the Dark, Even Through Skin". 2018-01-18. Retrieved 2018-07-29.
- ^ a b c Prötzel, David; Heß, Martin; Scherz, Mark D.; Schwager, Martina; Padje, Anouk van’t; Glaw, Frank (2018-01-15). "Widespread bone-based fluorescence in chameleons". Scientific Reports. 8 (1). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-19070-7. ISSN 2045-2322.
- ^ a b c Dorval, Connie (2012-09-20). Chameleons in Captivity. BookBaby. ISBN 9780985293697.
- ^ a b c d e f "Caring for your Reptile: Chameleon Edition! - Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital". Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital. 2017-08-23. Retrieved 2018-07-29.
- ^ a b c "In Depth Chameleon Health and Illness Guide". Top 10 Species. 2017-07-13. Retrieved 2018-07-29.
- ^ a b "How Do You Care for Pet Chameleons?". The Spruce Pets. Retrieved 2018-08-02.