The word Kinyongia is from the Swahili word for chameleons: Kinyonga.
The word Rieppeleon is named after the scientist Olivier Rieppel.
Kinyongia uthmoelleri and Trioceros quadricornis gracilor have red claws.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
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.
Many chameleon species have a bright red, orange or yellow mouth. This conspicuous interior when displayed is used as a defense against predators.
Some chameleons play dead to avoid predation; this is called thanatosis.
Chameleons have a very poor sense of smell.
There are currently 202 recognized chameleon species and 85 of them are found on the island of Madagascar.