A BATCH of tiny chameleons are turning on a bright green colour display for keepers at Taronga Zoo.

More than 20 baby veiled chameleons were born at the zoo recently, with the last of three clutches of eggs hatching this week.

Measuring just 5cm long, the hatchlings have already begun feeding on crickets and changing colours.

media_camera The veiled chameleons are the first born at Taronga Zoo in five years. Picture: Lorinda Taylor

Reptile supervisor Michael McFadden said the chameleons, which were native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia, would be mature and able to showcase their full colour palette within a year.

“Veiled chameleons are a visually amazing species that we’re fortunate to have at Taronga,” Mr McFadden said.

ZOO CELEBRATES ARRIVAL OF BOISTEROUS CHIMP BABY

ECHIDNAS LINE UP FOR BIZARRE MATING RITUAL

They are housed in a special temperature-controlled area behind the scenes at the zoo’s Reptile World and are the first to be born at the zoo for more than five years.

“While they’re not endangered, they do play an important educational role in helping us to get people excited about reptiles and reptile conservation,” he said.

media_camera The chameleons are just 5 centimeters long. Picture: Paul Fahy

media_camera The males grow to nearly twice the size of the females. Picture: Paul Fahy

Males can grow up to 61 centimeters long while the females are usually no longer than 35 centimeters.

The omnivores develop stripes as they grow.

Adult males have brighter colours than the females, with more defined bands of yellow or blue and some mottling.

media_camera A chameleon baby and an adult at Taronga Zoo. Picture: Simon Dean

Adult females are green with white, orange, yellow, or tan mottling, while adult males are brighter with more defined bands of yellow or blue and some mottling.

Females change color across their reproductive cycles, and chameleons also change color when stressed.

Like the Mosman Daily on Facebook