The chameleon tongue accelerates towards its target at over 1642m per second. Chameleons rarely miss their intended food item.
Chameleons have a very poor sense of smell.
Many chameleon species have a bright red, orange or yellow mouth. This conspicuous interior when displayed is used as a defense against predators.
The process of shedding is called ecdysis.
The oldest known chameleon fossil is from the extinct species Chamaeleo caroliquarti. It was found in Europe and is 26 million years old.
True chameleons include the following genera: Archaius, Bradypodion, Brookesia, Calumma, Chamaeleo, Furcifer, Kinyongia, Nadzikambia, Palleon, Rhampholeon, Rieppeleon and Trioceros.
The word Rieppeleon is named after the scientist Olivier Rieppel.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
Kinyongia uthmoelleri and Trioceros quadricornis gracilor have red claws.
Chameleons can project their tongue up to 2.2 times their body length.