The word Rhampholeon is taken from the Latinized Greek “rhamphos leon” meaning crawling lion.
The word Furcifer is derived from the Latin word “furci” or forked.
The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.
Pygmy chameleons (Brookesia, Palleon, Rhampholeon and Rieppeleon sp.) often resemble dry leaves, mosses and branches.
Furcifer oustaleti (Oustalet’s Chameleon) is the longest chameleon species reaching lengths of 27 inches (68cm).
Some chameleons play dead to avoid predation; this is called thanatosis.
The word Calumma comes from the Latin word for covering. This genus consists of chameleons from Madagascar with occipital lobes.
Chameleons do not have external ears or a tympanic membrane, but they do have internal ears as well as degenerated middle ears. They do not hear well but they can detect low frequency sounds.
Trioceros goetzei (Goetze’s Chameleon) emits an audible, high pitched whistle when threatened.
Trioceros schubotzi can be found at elevations as high as 4500m.