Some chameleons play dead to avoid predation; this is called thanatosis.
Furcifer labordi (Labord’s Chameleon) has the shortest lifespan of only 4-5 months. It also has the shortest lifespan of any tetrapod!
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
The oldest known chameleon fossil is from the extinct species Chamaeleo caroliquarti. It was found in Europe and is 26 million years old.
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.
Furcifer oustaleti (Oustalet’s Chameleon) is the longest chameleon species reaching lengths of 27 inches (68cm).
Chameleon fossils have been found in central Europe and China, indicating they were once much more widespread than they are now.
The word Rhampholeon is taken from the Latinized Greek “rhamphos leon” meaning crawling lion.
The process of shedding is called ecdysis.
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.