The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.
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.
Trioceros schubotzi can be found at elevations as high as 4500m.
Chameleons change color by rearranging a lattice of nanocrystals in one of their top layers of skin cells called iridophores. Chameleons can then stretch this layer, broadening the nanocrystalline lattice, thereby causing it to reflect a different wavelength of light.
Pygmy chameleons are sometimes referred to as False Chameleons. This term is actually incorrect and is in reference to anoles, particularly the Cuban False Anole.
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.
Chameleons have a very poor sense of smell.
Chameleon fossils have been found in central Europe and China, indicating they were once much more widespread than they are now.
Trioceros goetzei (Goetze’s Chameleon) emits an audible, high pitched whistle when threatened.