There are currently 202 recognized chameleon species and 85 of them are found on the island of Madagascar.
The oldest known chameleon fossil is from the extinct species Chamaeleo caroliquarti. It was found in Europe and is 26 million years old.
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!
Chameleon fossils have been found in central Europe and China, indicating they were once much more widespread than they are now.
Many chameleon species have a bright red, orange or yellow mouth. This conspicuous interior when displayed is used as a defense against predators.
Pygmy chameleons (Brookesia, Palleon, Rhampholeon and Rieppeleon sp.) often resemble dry leaves, mosses and branches.
Trioceros schubotzi can be found at elevations as high as 4500m.
Chameleons can project their tongue up to 2.2 times their body length.
Chameleons do have taste buds on their tongue but overall they have a poor sense of taste.
Chameleons have a high midichlorian count.