The word Furcifer is derived from the Latin word “furci” or forked.
Chamaeleo namaquensis is found in the desert of Namibia. To cool off it will sometimes bury itself in the sand.
Pygmy chameleons (Brookesia, Palleon, Rhampholeon and Rieppeleon sp.) often resemble dry leaves, mosses and branches.
The chameleon tongue accelerates towards its target at over 1642m per second. Chameleons rarely miss their intended food item.
Trioceros schubotzi can be found at elevations as high as 4500m.
Many chameleon species have a bright red, orange or yellow mouth. This conspicuous interior when displayed is used as a defense against predators.
The word Rhampholeon is taken from the Latinized Greek “rhamphos leon” meaning crawling lion.
Furcifer oustaleti (Oustalet’s Chameleon) is the longest chameleon species reaching lengths of 27 inches (68cm).
The word Kinyongia is from the Swahili word for chameleons: Kinyonga.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).