True chameleons include the following genera: Archaius, Bradypodion, Brookesia, Calumma, Chamaeleo, Furcifer, Kinyongia, Nadzikambia, Palleon, Rhampholeon, Rieppeleon and Trioceros.
Chamaeleo namaquensis is found in the desert of Namibia. To cool off it will sometimes bury itself in the sand.
Chameleons can project their tongue up to 2.2 times their body length.
The word Kinyongia is from the Swahili word for chameleons: Kinyonga.
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.
Trioceros goetzei (Goetze’s Chameleon) emits an audible, high pitched whistle when threatened.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
The word Furcifer is derived from the Latin word “furci” or forked.
Chameleons have a high midichlorian count.
Many chameleon species have a bright red, orange or yellow mouth. This conspicuous interior when displayed is used as a defense against predators.