The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.
Furcifer oustaleti (Oustalet’s Chameleon) is the longest chameleon species reaching lengths of 27 inches (68cm).
Pygmy chameleons have bicuspid claws where each claw has two points like a crescent moon.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
The word Brookesia is named after the British naturalist Joshua Brookes.
Chamaeleo namaquensis is found in the desert of Namibia. To cool off it will sometimes bury itself in the sand.
True chameleons include the following genera: Archaius, Bradypodion, Brookesia, Calumma, Chamaeleo, Furcifer, Kinyongia, Nadzikambia, Palleon, Rhampholeon, Rieppeleon and Trioceros.
Many chameleon species have a bright red, orange or yellow mouth. This conspicuous interior when displayed is used as a defense against predators.
Chameleons do have taste buds on their tongue but overall they have a poor sense of taste.
The word Calumma comes from the Latin word for covering. This genus consists of chameleons from Madagascar with occipital lobes.