The horns on a chameleon are made up of ringlike segments of inner bone covered by a hard keratin-like skin.
The word Furcifer is derived from the Latin word “furci” or forked.
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.
Chameleons can project their tongue up to 2.2 times their body length.
The word Rieppeleon is named after the scientist Olivier Rieppel.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
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.
Trioceros goetzei (Goetze’s Chameleon) emits an audible, high pitched whistle when threatened.
Trioceros schubotzi can be found at elevations as high as 4500m.
The chameleon tongue accelerates towards its target at over 1642m per second. Chameleons rarely miss their intended food item.