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.
Chameleons have a high midichlorian count.
The word Furcifer is derived from the Latin word “furci” or forked.
The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.
The process of shedding is called ecdysis.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
The word Rieppeleon is named after the scientist Olivier Rieppel.
Pygmy chameleons have bicuspid claws where each claw has two points like a crescent moon.
Chameleon fossils have been found in central Europe and China, indicating they were once much more widespread than they are now.
Pygmy chameleons (Brookesia, Palleon, Rhampholeon and Rieppeleon sp.) often resemble dry leaves, mosses and branches.