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 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!
The word Kinyongia is from the Swahili word for chameleons: Kinyonga.
Kinyongia uthmoelleri and Trioceros quadricornis gracilor have red claws.
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.
Pygmy chameleons (Brookesia, Palleon, Rhampholeon and Rieppeleon sp.) often resemble dry leaves, mosses and branches.
There are currently 202 recognized chameleon species and 85 of them are found on the island of Madagascar.
Pygmy chameleons have bicuspid claws where each claw has two points like a crescent moon.
Trioceros schubotzi can be found at elevations as high as 4500m.
The horns on a chameleon are made up of ringlike segments of inner bone covered by a hard keratin-like skin.