Furcifer oustaleti (Oustalet’s Chameleon) is the longest chameleon species reaching lengths of 27 inches (68cm).
Some chameleons play dead to avoid predation; this is called thanatosis.
The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.
The word Rhampholeon is taken from the Latinized Greek “rhamphos leon” meaning crawling lion.
Furcifer labordi (Labord’s Chameleon) has the shortest lifespan of only 4-5 months. It also has the shortest lifespan of any tetrapod!
There are currently 202 recognized chameleon species and 85 of them are found on the island of Madagascar.
The word Rieppeleon is named after the scientist Olivier Rieppel.
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.
Pygmy chameleons have bicuspid claws where each claw has two points like a crescent moon.
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.