why so dark while basking?

[Kiyomitsu]

i have a new light its the Arcadia 6% with a 6500k its 36 inch and it is 9 inches or more away from his main basking spot i turned the heat lamp up some and its showing around 90 degrees as his temp i also have a humidifier blowing on the cool side so lots of places to go cool off i have a mist king set up for every 2 hours comes on 2 -3 min but only during day time if he is moving then not dark at all also i have no clue if it is male or female thanks for any help

 

[Graves923]

Dark colors help absorb heat. The chameleon turns dark while basking to warm themselves more efficiently.

 

[JacksJill]

Basking temps might be a bit hight for a juvenile.

"Temperature:
Baby/juvenile (<9 months): ambient 72-80F (22-26C), basking 82F (28C)
Adult males: ambient 75-80F (23-26C), basking 85-90F (29-32C)
Adult females: ambient 75-80F (23-26C), basking 80-85F (26-29C)"

 

[Zephalia]

That's a great looking female and the basking temp is a little high for her. Keeping temps this high can increase egg production. I would suggest dropping the basking temp down to 86F. Also, make sure you have a laying bin set up in her enclosure in case she needs to lay.

 

[Kiyomitsu]

yeah thanks it usually stays 82-85 i had turned it up thinking she was dark because she was cold and trying to get warm