The word Rieppeleon is named after the scientist Olivier Rieppel.
Chamaeleo namaquensis is found in the desert of Namibia. To cool off it will sometimes bury itself in the sand.
True chameleons include the following genera: Archaius, Bradypodion, Brookesia, Calumma, Chamaeleo, Furcifer, Kinyongia, Nadzikambia, Palleon, Rhampholeon, Rieppeleon and Trioceros.
The word Furcifer is derived from the Latin word “furci” or forked.
Pygmy chameleons have bicuspid claws where each claw has two points like a crescent moon.
Chameleon fossils have been found in central Europe and China, indicating they were once much more widespread than they are now.
Furcifer labordi (Labord’s Chameleon) has the shortest lifespan of only 4-5 months. It also has the shortest lifespan of any tetrapod!
The word Rhampholeon is taken from the Latinized Greek “rhamphos leon” meaning crawling lion.
Chameleons have acrodont teeth meaning they are an extension of the jawbone. They are not set in sockets nor are they replaced.
The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.