True chameleons include the following genera: Archaius, Bradypodion, Brookesia, Calumma, Chamaeleo, Furcifer, Kinyongia, Nadzikambia, Palleon, Rhampholeon, Rieppeleon and Trioceros.
The process of shedding is called ecdysis.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
Furcifer oustaleti (Oustalet’s Chameleon) is the longest chameleon species reaching lengths of 27 inches (68cm).
There are currently 202 recognized chameleon species and 85 of them are found on the island of Madagascar.
Chameleons do have taste buds on their tongue but overall they have a poor sense of taste.
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.
The word Calumma comes from the Latin word for covering. This genus consists of chameleons from Madagascar with occipital lobes.
The word Brookesia is named after the British naturalist Joshua Brookes.