Chameleons have laterally compressed bodies. This enables them to warm up quickly by presenting a larger surface area to the sun. It also helps some chameleon species blend in among the similarly shaped leaves in their environment.
The word Rhampholeon is taken from the Latinized Greek “rhamphos leon” meaning crawling lion.
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.
The word Furcifer is derived from the Latin word “furci” or forked.
Chamaeleo namaquensis is found in the desert of Namibia. To cool off it will sometimes bury itself in the sand.
Trioceros schubotzi can be found at elevations as high as 4500m.
Chameleons have a very poor sense of smell.
The process of shedding is called ecdysis.
Chameleon fossils have been found in central Europe and China, indicating they were once much more widespread than they are now.
Kinyongia uthmoelleri and Trioceros quadricornis gracilor have red claws.