Chameleon fossils have been found in central Europe and China, indicating they were once much more widespread than they are now.
The process of shedding is called ecdysis.
The word Rieppeleon is named after the scientist Olivier Rieppel.
Chameleons have laterally compressed bodies. This enables them to warm up quickly by presenting a larger surface area to the sun. It also helps some chameleon species blend in among the similarly shaped leaves in their environment.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
Chameleons have a high midichlorian count.
Furcifer labordi (Labord’s Chameleon) has the shortest lifespan of only 4-5 months. It also has the shortest lifespan of any tetrapod!
Chameleons can project their tongue up to 2.2 times their body length.
Chameleons have a very poor sense of smell.
Trioceros goetzei (Goetze’s Chameleon) emits an audible, high pitched whistle when threatened.