Pygmy chameleons are sometimes referred to as False Chameleons. This term is actually incorrect and is in reference to anoles, particularly the Cuban False Anole.
The word Calumma comes from the Latin word for covering. This genus consists of chameleons from Madagascar with occipital lobes.
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.
True chameleons include the following genera: Archaius, Bradypodion, Brookesia, Calumma, Chamaeleo, Furcifer, Kinyongia, Nadzikambia, Palleon, Rhampholeon, Rieppeleon and Trioceros.
Chameleons have a very poor sense of smell.
The word Kinyongia is from the Swahili word for chameleons: Kinyonga.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
Trioceros goetzei (Goetze’s Chameleon) emits an audible, high pitched whistle when threatened.
Many chameleon species have a bright red, orange or yellow mouth. This conspicuous interior when displayed is used as a defense against predators.