Width between eyes tells you what exactly?

[Speechgirl2]

I’ve seen this referenced all over the place that the Width between a chameleons eyes tells you how big of a bug they can safely eat throughout their growth and lifespan…

My question is… Does that measurement set the parameter for:
Width of the bug side to side?
Length of the bug head to end?
Both?

I’ve been assuming both just to be safe but I am thinking it’s just width side to side? And if that’s the case… Is there any separate restriction on the length? Overall I’m trying to figure out when my chameleon is ready for worms of any size that meet the parameter from a width standpoint. Are super worms. A bad idea for a young chameleon 8 to 9 inches nose to tip of tail?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Speechgirl2]

This video was great in answering this in depth

 

[MissSkittles]

The space between the eyes is approximately the size of the throat. With worms, I look at the width and diameter and not the length. I much prefer to feed bugs that are smaller than my chameleons could handle so that not only do they not have to possibly struggle to get their food down, but I can give them more feeders which makes it seem like they are getting more food. With superworms and hornworms, they have been known to bite back at times. While chameleons have great instinct and know to grab the head first, my personal opinion is that smaller is lower risk for being bitten.

 

[Speechgirl2]

The space between the eyes is approximately the size of the throat. With worms, I look at the width and diameter and not the length. I much prefer to feed bugs that are smaller than my chameleons could handle so that not only do they not have to possibly struggle to get their food down, but I can give them more feeders which makes it seem like they are getting more food. With superworms and hornworms, they have been known to bite back at times. While chameleons have great instinct and know to grab the head first, my personal opinion is that smaller is lower risk for being bitten.

Thank you so much!