There are currently 202 recognized chameleon species and 85 of them are found on the island of Madagascar.
The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.
Chameleons have acrodont teeth meaning they are an extension of the jawbone. They are not set in sockets nor are they replaced.
Furcifer labordi (Labord’s Chameleon) has the shortest lifespan of only 4-5 months. It also has the shortest lifespan of any tetrapod!
The oldest known chameleon fossil is from the extinct species Chamaeleo caroliquarti. It was found in Europe and is 26 million years old.
The chameleon tongue accelerates towards its target at over 1642m per second. Chameleons rarely miss their intended food item.
Trioceros goetzei (Goetze’s Chameleon) emits an audible, high pitched whistle when threatened.
Some chameleons play dead to avoid predation; this is called thanatosis.
The word Chamaeleo is derived via Latin from the Greek word khamaileon. It roughly translates to ground lion. Khamai means on the ground and leon means lion.
Kinyongia uthmoelleri and Trioceros quadricornis gracilor have red claws.