True chameleons include the following genera: Archaius, Bradypodion, Brookesia, Calumma, Chamaeleo, Furcifer, Kinyongia, Nadzikambia, Palleon, Rhampholeon, Rieppeleon and Trioceros.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
The word Furcifer is derived from the Latin word “furci” or forked.
Kinyongia uthmoelleri and Trioceros quadricornis gracilor have red claws.
The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.
The chameleon tongue accelerates towards its target at over 1642m per second. Chameleons rarely miss their intended food item.
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.
The word Rieppeleon is named after the scientist Olivier Rieppel.
The word Calumma comes from the Latin word for covering. This genus consists of chameleons from Madagascar with occipital lobes.
Trioceros goetzei (Goetze’s Chameleon) emits an audible, high pitched whistle when threatened.