Chameleons change color by rearranging a lattice of nanocrystals in one of their top layers of skin cells called iridophores. Chameleons can then stretch this layer, broadening the nanocrystalline lattice, thereby causing it to reflect a different wavelength of light.
The word Rhampholeon is taken from the Latinized Greek “rhamphos leon” meaning crawling lion.
Kinyongia uthmoelleri and Trioceros quadricornis gracilor have red claws.
The oldest known chameleon fossil is from the extinct species Chamaeleo caroliquarti. It was found in Europe and is 26 million years old.
Chameleons do have taste buds on their tongue but overall they have a poor sense of taste.
The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.
The word Furcifer is derived from the Latin word “furci” or forked.
The smallest chameleon species is Brookesia micra with an adult length just over 1 inch (29mm). It hatches from an egg no bigger than a grain of rice!
Pygmy chameleons (Brookesia, Palleon, Rhampholeon and Rieppeleon sp.) often resemble dry leaves, mosses and branches.
The chameleon tongue accelerates towards its target at over 1642m per second. Chameleons rarely miss their intended food item.