Chameleons are a distinctive and highly specialized clade of lizards.
Uniquely adapted for climbing and visual hunting, chameleons are vary
greatly in size and body structure, with maximum total length varying
from 3.3 cm (1.3 in.). Chameleon species have in common their foot structure,
eyes, tongues and a lack of ears. On each foot, the five toes are fused
into a group of two and a group of three, giving the foot a tongs-like
appearance. These specialized feet allow chameleons to grip tightly to
narrow branches. Their eyes are the most distinctive among the reptiles.
The upper and lower eyelids are joined, with only a pinhole large
enough for the pupil to see through. They can rotate and focus
separately to observe two different objects simultaneously, this lets
their eyes move independently from each other. They lack a vomeronasal
organ. They do not have an outer or a middle ear that suggests that
chameleons might be deaf, so they can communicate via vibrations that
travel through solid substrates such as branches. Chameleons
have very long tongues (sometimes longer than their own body length)
which they are capable of rapidly extending out of the mouth. The tongue
extends out faster than human eyes can follow, at around 26 body
lengths per second. Different chameleon species are able to change
different colors which can include pink, blue, red, orange, green,
black, brown, light blue, yellow, turquoise and purple. Chameleons
inhabit all kinds of tropical and mountain rain forests, savannas and
sometimes deserts and steppes. About 160 species of chameleon range from
Africa, Madagascar, Spain and Portugal, California and Florida… Veiled Chameleon, Jackson’s Chameleon, Panther Chameleon, Bearded Pygmy Chameleon, Spectral Pygmy Chameleon
are often sold at pet stores and are not rare to have as household
pets. Chameleons generally eat locusts, mantis, crickets, grasshopper
and other insects, but larger chameleons have been known to eat small
birds and other lizards. A few species, such as Jackson’s Chameleon and
the Veiled Chameleon will consume small amounts of plant matter.
Chameleons prefer running water to still water. Chameleons are mostly
oviparous, some being ovoviviparous. The oviparous species lay eggs 3–6
weeks after copulation. Species
Many people think chameleons change
color to blend in with their surroundings. Scientists disagree. Their
studies show that light, temperature, and mood cause chameleons to
change color. Sometimes changing color can make the chameleon more
comfortable. Sometimes it helps the animal communicate with other
chameleons. If a chameleon is cold, it might turn a darker color. Why?
Because darker colors absorb more heat than light ones.
Mood probably causes most color changes.
For example, if a panther chameleon gets angry, red and yellow replace
its normal color. A chemical called melanin rises toward the skin’s
surface, causing areas of the skin to darken. The animal’s new look
tells other chameleons, “I’m ready to fight!” When a male wants to
attract a female, he will wear his most flashy colors, as if to say,
“Hey baby, want to hang out?” One type of male chameleon will change
from brown to purple and light blue. His eyelids may even turn yellow
with green spots. What female chameleon wouldn’t fall for such a
handsome guy?
