The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
The word Kinyongia is from the Swahili word for chameleons: Kinyonga.
Chameleon fossils have been found in central Europe and China, indicating they were once much more widespread than they are now.
Furcifer oustaleti (Oustalet’s Chameleon) is the longest chameleon species reaching lengths of 27 inches (68cm).
Chameleons do have taste buds on their tongue but overall they have a poor sense of taste.
The word Rieppeleon is named after the scientist Olivier Rieppel.
Furcifer labordi (Labord’s Chameleon) has the shortest lifespan of only 4-5 months. It also has the shortest lifespan of any tetrapod!
Chameleons can project their tongue up to 2.2 times their body length.
True chameleons include the following genera: Archaius, Bradypodion, Brookesia, Calumma, Chamaeleo, Furcifer, Kinyongia, Nadzikambia, Palleon, Rhampholeon, Rieppeleon and Trioceros.
There are currently 202 recognized chameleon species and 85 of them are found on the island of Madagascar.