Some chameleons play dead to avoid predation; this is called thanatosis.
The word Rhampholeon is taken from the Latinized Greek “rhamphos leon” meaning crawling lion.
Many chameleon species have a bright red, orange or yellow mouth. This conspicuous interior when displayed is used as a defense against predators.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
Pygmy chameleons have bicuspid claws where each claw has two points like a crescent moon.
The chameleon tongue accelerates towards its target at over 1642m per second. Chameleons rarely miss their intended food item.
Chameleons have acrodont teeth meaning they are an extension of the jawbone. They are not set in sockets nor are they replaced.
Furcifer oustaleti (Oustalet’s Chameleon) is the longest chameleon species reaching lengths of 27 inches (68cm).
Trioceros schubotzi can be found at elevations as high as 4500m.
The word Brookesia is named after the British naturalist Joshua Brookes.