The chameleon tongue accelerates towards its target at over 1642m per second. Chameleons rarely miss their intended food item.
Furcifer oustaleti (Oustalet’s Chameleon) is the longest chameleon species reaching lengths of 27 inches (68cm).
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.
Chameleon fossils have been found in central Europe and China, indicating they were once much more widespread than they are now.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
Chameleons can project their tongue up to 2.2 times their body length.
Chameleons have a high midichlorian count.
The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.