Description: Also known as the South American chameleon. From east of the Andes in northern South America plus Trinidad and Grenada in the Caribbean. These arboreal lizards mainly live in tropical rain forests but may also inhabit dryer areas. They have very long tails (twice the length of the body) and long, skinny arms. Their large, oddly shaped hemipenes have been the subject of Indian folklore. Life span can be over 10 years.

Harlequin Race-runner P. plica grows to 15¾", has a more flattened body shape and is less common than P. umbra. The color is greenish or brownish with brown bands and a few small black spots. The head may be redish.

Collared Tree Lizard P. umbra grows to 12", has a cylindrical shaped body and is greenish with a black collar. Males have yellowish or orange throat and neck folds.

Temperature: 78 to 82°F daytime, 5 to 10°F lower at night with a basking site of around 86°F. Provide a warm and a cool side in the enclosure so that they can choose a comfortable temperature at any given time (temperature gradient).

Humidity: Moderately to high, 60 - 80%. Misting is beneficial. A humidity gradient throughout the enclosure is preferred.

Lighting: UV light is required, a fluorescent 5.0 is sufficient along with a basking bulb. Use a timer to provide a consistent 12-hour day.

Feeding: In the wild, the prey consists mostly of ants. The insects that are given in captivity should also be relatively small for this size of lizard. Small crickets are fine as a staple diet in but a variety of other small insects should be offered as well. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given twice a week for adults and more often for young, growing lizards. A dish of clean water should be available at all times and flowing water is preferred.

Habitat: A 29-gallon tank will work for a pair or trio. Set it up as an arboreal rainforest habitat containing sturdy plants along with some rocks and branches to climb and bask on. Also leave an open space with areas of soft substrate to dig in. A large filtered water area with a waterfall is ideal.

Breeding: Breeding is year-round and the females lay between 2 and 4 eggs.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna