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• Part 1 of 2: Determining the sex of all types of chameleons
• Part 2 of 2: Determining the sex of species that are often kept as pets

It is important to know the gender of your chameleon as it tells you how to take care of your pet. In most species, the female chameleon will eat a more complex diet and will require specific care when it comes to laying eggs. Males of most species are slightly stronger than females, making them better pets for beginners. All chameleons are solitary and offer the preferences of separate terrariums, but that is especially very important for male chameleons. They will fight with each other if they are placed in the same habitat. It is not always possible to determine the sex of a baby chameleon as they do not develop their coloring and other sex characteristics until they are several months old.

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Part 1 of 2: Determining the sex of all types of chameleons

1. Check for the hemipenes. Many types of chameleon show minimal indication of genitalia. This is a small bump on the underside of the male chameleon, at the base of the tail. The bulge may not develop until the chameleon is several months old. Female chameleons have smooth skin at the base of the tail.
2. Observe the color. The coloration of chameleons varies greatly by species, but it is not uncommon for males to have brighter colors. In many species, only the male develops beautiful colors. If you buy a baby chameleon, the colors may not be developed yet. Depending on the species, it may take several months for your chameleon's colors to show.
   • Female chameleons can display fascinating colors when she is fertile and beautiful patterns when she bears eggs.
3. Check the size. The male is larger in most chameleon species. The difference can be inconspicuous or obvious, with the male growing up to twice the size of the female. However, size varies greatly depending on the species and care. In some species the female is larger and in others there is no difference in size at all.
4. Know what kind of chameleon you have. If you know what species you have, look up the sex characteristics and determine if you have a male or female. If you don't know which strain you have yet, go to a library or search the internet for the different strains. Do a search with an image and see which species your chameleon resembles.
   • There are over 180 species of chameleons in the world, but only a few that are often kept as pets.
   • Ask the seller. If you didn't know the gender of your chameleon when you bought it, contact the person you bought it from. This is information relevant to your chameleon's care and the seller should provide you with that information.
   • If you caught your chameleon in the wild, research the species in your area. However, be aware that it is not recommended to catch a wild chameleon and it may be illegal.

Part 2 of 2: Determining the sex of species that are often kept as pets

1. Identify the sex of a panther chameleon. Check for a hemipenic bump. Male panther chameleons have a small bump at the base of the tail, while females do not. Males are generally larger and can grow up to 50 cm in length. Panther chameleons all show bright and varied coloration, but the coloration of males could be nicer.
2. Determine the gender of a Yemen chameleon. Check for leg marks. Males of this species are born with small bumps on the back of their hind legs. If your Yemen chameleon has no leg marks, it is a female. Males also begin to develop a hemipenic bump at the base of the tail when they are several months old.
   • If you have multiple Yemen chameleons, you may notice a contrast in the size and coloration of the different sexes. Males have a larger comb, are larger and have brighter colors than females.
   • The comb on the head of male chameleons can grow up to 7.5 cm long.
3. Identify the gender of an East African three-horn chameleon. Check for a hemipenic bump or small bump at the base of the tail. Males have a bump, while the underside of a female's tail is glass. While both the female and male of this species may have horns above the eyes and beak, it is more common in males.
4. Determine the gender of a carpet chameleon. Check for a hemipenic bump. Male carpet chameleons have a hump at the base of the tail and are generally larger than females. Females grow longer than 20 cm and are smooth at the base of the tail.
5. Determine the gender of a Fischer's chameleon. Check the chameleon for a hemipenic bump, which is present in males. Both males and females have one double rostral process, a long, knobby, double protuberance on the face. These are more conspicuous in males and sometimes not present in females.
6. Identify the gender of a patch chameleon. Measure your patch chameleon. Females are larger than males and can grow up to 40 cm in length. Males are smaller. Check smaller chameleons for a hemipenic bump.
7. Determine the sex of a four-horned chameleon. Check for horns. Males of this species have 2-6 horns on their heads. They also have a large comb on their back and a crest. Males have a hemipenic bump. Females are smoother overall and do not have a bump, horns, crest or crest.
8. Identify the gender of a Mellers chameleon. Check for eggs. It is very difficult to determine the sex of Meller's chameleons as they look almost identical. If you have multiple Meller's chameleons, try to catch them mating. A female may then be able to lay eggs.
   • In addition to these characteristics, an X-ray is the only way to determine the sex of your chameleon.
9. Identify the gender of a giant chameleon. Check for green color. Only female giant chameleons can be green. Both males and females can be gray, brown, black or white. Also check for a hemipenic bump, which indicates a male. Females are smaller, while males can grow up to 75 cm.