There are currently 202 recognized chameleon species and 85 of them are found on the island of Madagascar.
The word Kinyongia is from the Swahili word for chameleons: Kinyonga.
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.
Kinyongia uthmoelleri and Trioceros quadricornis gracilor have red claws.
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.
The process of shedding is called ecdysis.
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.
Chameleons have a very poor sense of smell.
Trioceros goetzei (Goetze’s Chameleon) emits an audible, high pitched whistle when threatened.