The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.
Furcifer oustaleti (Oustalet’s Chameleon) is the longest chameleon species reaching lengths of 27 inches (68cm).
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
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 can project their tongue up to 2.2 times their body length.
The word Furcifer is derived from the Latin word “furci” or forked.
Trioceros goetzei (Goetze’s Chameleon) emits an audible, high pitched whistle when threatened.
The oldest known chameleon fossil is from the extinct species Chamaeleo caroliquarti. It was found in Europe and is 26 million years old.
The word Brookesia is named after the British naturalist Joshua Brookes.
The word Calumma comes from the Latin word for covering. This genus consists of chameleons from Madagascar with occipital lobes.