All About Chameleons: The Earth’s Animal Painting

Leave a comment / / Updated on: 11th November 2023

NameChameleonDietInsectivorous
Scientific nameChamaeleonidaeWeight130 to 180 grams (4.5 to 6.3 ounces)
PronunciationKuh-mee-lee-uhnLength3 to 68.5 centimeters (1.2 to 27 inches)
ClassificationReptilia, Squamata, & IguaniaLocationAfrica, Europe, the Middle East, India, & Sri Lanka

The Chameleon

chameleon
A green chameleon | Luca Bertalli via Getty Images

Few creatures are as captivating and mysterious as chameleons. 

From their unique appearance and color-changing abilities to their prehensile tails and long, sticky tongues – there’s nothing not fascinating about their biology.

Unsurprisingly, chameleons have made their way into the minds of scientists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world! 

In addition, despite how difficult it is to care for them, many experienced reptile owners go the extra mile in caring for these solitary, secretive reptiles.

Without further ado, let’s embark on a journey to discover the most incredible facts about chameleons! 

Gage Beasley's In-Demand Plush Toys
Gage Beasley’s In-Demand Plush Toys

Taxonomy and Classification

chameleons
Chameleon on a branch | mantaphoto via Getty Images

Chameleons form the Chamaeleonidae family in the Iguania suborder, which is, in turn, classified under the Squamata order.

The family comprises 200 chameleon species grouped into two subfamilies, each with their genera:

  • Brookesiinae, with two genera
  • Chamaeleoninae, with ten genera

Chameleons are most closely related to the iguanian lizards of the Agamidae family.

Some of the species are known as dragon lizards.

Paleontological evidence shows that the earliest chameleons lived approximately 58–61 million years ago in China, although not all specialists agree with the classification of these fossils.

Later discoveries revealed chameleon fossils deposited 13–23 million years ago in Europe and 5–13 million years ago in Kenya.

Paleontologists argue that chameleons share a common ancestor with agamids and iguanids and may have originated from mainland Africa. 

Gage Beasley's Chameleon Stuffed Plush Toy
Gage Beasley’s Chameleon Stuffed Plush Toy

Physical Characteristics

chameleons
Close-up of a panther chameleon on a tree | Freder via Getty Images

Considering that there are 200 chameleon species, our size estimations will remain only estimations, as the exact length varies greatly depending on the species.

As such, chameleons can be as small as 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) long and as large as 68.5 centimeters (27 inches).

The smallest chameleon species and, in fact, one of the smallest reptile species in the world is Brookesia micra, also known as the Nosy Hara leaf chameleon. 

The largest chameleon species is Furcifer oustaleti, also called the Malagasy giant chameleon.

Check out the size of some other chameleon species:

  • Panther chameleons: 40–51 centimeters (15.7–20 inches)
  • Veiled chameleons: 43–61 centimeters (17–24 inches)
  • Flap-necked chameleons: 35 centimeters (13.7 inches)
  • Jackson’s chameleons: 25–38 centimeters (9.8–15 inches)

All species have a typical chameleon appearance: four feet with five toes, laterally compressed tails, bulging eyes, long tongues, and helmet-shaped heads.

chameleons
Chameleon close-up | Freder via Getty Images

Their color and body shape vary greatly between species, and some unique characteristics can help enthusiasts distinguish the species. 

For example, Trioceros jacksonii, or the Jackson’s chameleon, has well-defined horn-like projections, which serve as facial ornamentations. 

Other species, like Chamaeleo calyptratus, or the veiled chameleons, have crests on their heads.

However, characteristics like horns and crests are typically more developed or only seen in males.

Besides this, while some have long, prehensile tails, others have short, non-prehensile tails.

Their colors range from light shades to dark green, brown, or gray, interspersed with different spotted patterns. 

Needless to say, chameleons can change the color of their skin, but we’ll discuss this later, so keep reading!

Habitat and Distribution


Most chameleons are native to the African continent and are found in Madagascar, sub-Saharan Africa, and northern Africa.

Some species, however, live in the Middle East, India, Sri Lanka, and European countries like Portugal, Italy, and Spain. 

Additionally, a few species are endemic to some islands in the Indian Ocean.

These reptiles thrive best in savannas and tropical and mountain rainforests. 

They can do well in steppes and deserts as well. Some are arboreal, while others are terrestrial.

Take the veiled chameleon. It’s arboreal, lives in valleys, plateaus, and mountains, and thrives best in habitats with temperatures between 24 and 35 degrees Celsius (75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit).

Conversely, Panther chameleons prefer rainforests or savannahs, although they’ve adapted well to living close to human establishments and plantations.

Jackson’s chameleons live in woodlands where temperatures do not get higher than 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit).

They prefer higher altitudes.

Besides this, chameleons are among the most sought-after pet reptiles.

The most common pet chameleons are the following:

  • Senegal chameleons
  • Veiled chameleons
  • Panther chameleons
  • Jackson’s chameleon

Studies on the number of imported chameleons show that the United States ranks first in terms of imports and is now even a pet chameleon exporter, thanks to successful breeding programs. 

Behavior and Social Structure

chameleons
As expected, a veiled chameleon in between branches | Kaan Sezer via Getty Images

As mentioned, some chameleons are arboreal, while others are largely terrestrial. 

Veiled chameleons prefer remaining hidden between tree branches or the leaves of other large plants.

The smallest chameleon species, the Nosy Hara leaf chameleon, has an arboreal-terrestrial lifestyle; this means that it spends time in leaf litter during the day and sleeps on branches as high as 10 centimeters (4 inches) at night.

Chameleons are solitary and shy creatures.

When kept as pets, chameleons typically do not appreciate too much handling or any other interaction with their owners. 

They have an elusive nature and will remain hidden throughout the day despite being awake and alert.

Chameleons do not do well around other chameleons or reptiles and can quickly get aggressive. 

The breeding period is the only time of the year when chameleons will accept others around them (that is, if they are possible mates, definitely not competition). 

chameleons
A veiled chameleon is sitting on a dead branch | CathyKeifer via Getty Images

And even then, they’ll feel a bit awkward at first.

If two males confront each other, they’ll inflate their bodies as a sign of aggression and change their colors. 

The confrontation doesn’t go beyond this, as they typically understand which is dominant.

The submissive chameleon backs away and switches to a darker shade.

Studies have shown that chameleons shouldn’t even be placed in glass-walled tanks because they’ll see their reflection and become aggressive toward it! 

That’s how socially stressed these reptiles can get.

However, this doesn’t mean chameleons can’t be relaxed and happy.

They usually show signs of contentment by changing their skin color or curling their tails.

Diet and Feeding

chameleons
A baby veiled chameleon is picking up a fly with his tongue. | CathyKeifer via Getty Images

Chameleons are insectivorous.

Here are some of their favorite meals:

  • Centipedes
  • Millipedes
  • Spiders
  • Isopods
  • Grasshoppers
  • Crickets
  • Butterflies
  • Geckos
  • Caterpillars
  • Ants
  • Wasps
  • Snails

If they’re large enough, chameleons will hunt small birds and lizards.

If food is scarce, chameleons may also eat plants and berries.

The most captivating aspect of their feeding behavior is the way they hunt.

chameleons
A panther chameleon baby is catching a cricket by extending its tongue | CathyKeifer via Getty Images

As you probably already know, chameleons can neither move too fast nor turn too quickly.

So, how do they catch prey?

The answer lies in their long tongues!

A chameleon’s tongue is twice the length of its body.

So what they do is approach prey slowly, steadily, and unnoticeably. 

Chameleons with prehensile tails rely on them to avoid falling off branches by curling the tails around them.

When they’re close enough and consider the timing right, chameleons project their tongues with extraordinary precision and power! 

Their long tongues reach prey in approximately 0.07 seconds.

Once the tongue catches the prey, chameleons can easily hold onto it thanks to their tongues’ suction and wet adhesion properties. 

Then, the reptile just brings the prey to its mouth and delights in its meal!

Reproduction and Life Cycle

chameleons
Chameleon eggs | showcake via Getty Images

Some chameleon species are oviparous (reproduce by laying eggs), while others are ovoviviparous (the embryo develops within the mother until ready to hatch), undergo a gestation period of 5–7 months, and give birth to up to 30 young.

Oviparous species lay their eggs in holes, where they are incubated for 4–12 months, depending on the species.

The clutch size varies between 10 and 200 eggs.

Ovoviviparous young is born covered in the yolk sac sticky membrane.

The babies are developed enough to fend for themselves.

The chameleon growth rate depends on the species, although most are fully grown by the time they’re one year old.

The lifespan of chameleons varies greatly between species; some live only 2–3 years, others can reach 20 years.

Ecological Role and Interactions

chameleons
Chameleon sitting in a tree in the morning | ajansen via Getty Images

Unlike other ectothermic animals, which cannot function well when their body temperatures are lower than usual, chameleons can hunt well in these conditions, too.

That’s why they typically hunt in the morning when the weather is colder.

This allows them to catch a wide range of prey and prevents them from interacting with other competing species, which usually hunt later in the day when temperatures are higher.

Needless to say, chameleons avoid other animals for the rest of the day as well, so there are basically no interspecific or intraspecific interactions whatsoever.

Although they remain hidden most of the time, chameleons play an important role in keeping their ecosystems balanced and healthy. 

In some areas, they are considered pest control animals, as they feed on various bugs and insects.

Besides this, chameleons serve as prey for other creatures like birds of prey, snakes, rats, martens, cats, and dogs. 

Although they do not benefit from this, their role as prey helps sustain their predators’ populations.

Apart from this, chameleons serve as hosts for nematode worms that are transmitted through mosquito and tick bites, as well as food contamination. 

They are also carriers of protozoan parasites that cause malaria, leishmaniasis, and sleeping sickness.

Conservation Status and Threats

chameleons
Malagasy giant chameleon or Oustalet’s chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti) | Artush via Getty Images

Out of 200 chameleon species, over 100 are categorized as Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

This number indicates that the global chameleon population is suffering, and without conservation efforts, many can go extinct in the next several years.

Since we cannot focus on all threatened species, we’ll share details about some labeled as Critically Endangered:

  • Bizarre-nosed Chameleon, or Calumma hafahafa. This species is found only in Madagascar. The species was known only from one confirmed male in 2003, although the next few years revealed a few other chameleons. Their population is threatened by habitat loss caused by destruction, fragmentation, cattle grazing, and slash-and-burn agriculture. However, the territory they live in is in the process of becoming protected, which may help prevent their extinction.
  • Belalanda Chameleon, or Furcifer belalandaensis. This species is endemic to Madagascar. Although the exact number of mature individuals is unknown, scientists assume their population is very small. The primary threat to this species is the loss of large, mature trees and illegal collection for pet trade.
  • Nguru Spiny Pygmy Chameleon, or Rhampholeon anacuminatus. This species is native to Tanzania, which serves as a home for a small population threatened by the cultivation of shade crops and collection for the pet trade. If the species is added to CITES, it may have a chance of survival. Conservation efforts focused on habitat preservation are required.
  • Chapman’s Pygmy Chameleons, or Rhampholeon chapmanorum. This species is endemic to Malawi and has suffered an 80% population reduction since the 1980s. Their population is threatened by habitat destruction through slash-and-burn agriculture. 

Unique Adaptations and Survival Strategies

chameleon
Multicoloured chameleon in green wild vegetation | vm via Getty Images

By far the most famous chameleon adaptation is the ability to change skin color. 

Chameleons can become pink, orange, blue, red, turquoise, purple, yellow, and other remarkable shades we’d undoubtedly delight in!

These cryptic reptiles rely on this ability primarily to communicate with other chameleons. 

They may also change their skin coloration in response to temperature, stressors, or other environmental factors. 

For example, they get darker to warm themselves up by absorbing heat and lighter if they need to cool down.

On the other hand, contrary to popular belief, chameleons do not change colors to blend in with their surroundings. 

It is only circumstantial that they blend in with their surroundings when changing colors, which means they cannot just check out their environment and then reproduce whatever patterns they see to camouflage. 

The fact that they actually do blend in with their surroundings thanks to the colors they can put on likely has to do with how and where they evolved and developed.

Chameleons have unique eyesight that allows them not only to see two objects at the same time but also to have a 360-degree arc of vision. 

chameleon
Look at those eyes! | kozorog via Getty Images

Once the prey is spotted (which occurs through monocular depth perception), their eyes allow for extremely precise focus. 

In addition, chameleons can see UV light, which helps them thermoregulate, feed, and improve their reproductive abilities.

Furthermore, chameleons use their ability to appear larger and more threatening if predators see them. 

As such, they flatten their bodies laterally, open their mouths, and produce threatening sounds. 

If necessary, chameleons will rely on their feet and jaws to defend themselves.

And speaking about the feet! Did you know that chameleons have unique feet? 

They are positioned completely horizontally, and their toes stick to the sides.

This secures their grip and prevents them from falling off branches. 

The grip is so strong that sometimes even birds of prey cannot just fly over a chameleon and take it off its branch!

Cultural Significance and Human Interactions

chameleon
Mughal era painting of a chameleon by Ustad Mansur. | Ustad Mansur via The Royal Collection

Chameleons were first described in scientific writings in 350 BC by Aristotle, who mentioned that the chameleon resembles the lizard in the general configuration of its body, but the ribs stretch downwards and meet together under the belly as is the case with fish, and the spine sticks up as with the fish.

In the first century AD, Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and naturalist, described chameleons in his work called Natural History, where he appeared fascinated by this reptile’s ability to change colors.

Since then, this awe-inspiring creature has been portrayed, described, and featured in hundreds of scientific books and papers, fiction books, movies, and documentaries. 

Even Shakespearean texts make references to chameleons, implying that these reptiles are air-eaters, as it was once thought.

Furthermore, it’s by far one of the world’s most mysterious and fascinating creatures – no wonder it’s such a sought-after reptile pet! 

Despite their popularity, chameleons are quite difficult to keep in captivity, as their tank should mimic their natural habitats perfectly. 

Otherwise, they will suffer and die prematurely.

But chameleons make excellent pets as long as the owners are experienced in caring for reptiles.

Whether they do well in captivity is a completely different discussion. 

Since chameleons are quite solitary and shy, they can become highly stressed in captivity, especially when moved to another tank or if their environmental conditions do not meet their needs. 

Captive-bred chameleons are more likely to adapt to living in a tank, whereas wild-caught individuals can quickly die if taken from their natural habitat.

Future Prospects and Research

chameleon
Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) in action | Tim Link via Getty Images

The captivating nature of the chameleon gave birth to a phenomenon known as the chameleon effect, which points to unconscious mimicry of facial expressions or other behaviors. 

This is only one of the multitude of fields of interest associated with chameleons. 

Considering how many unique traits these reptiles have, it’s no wonder scientists turned their attention to them.

Furthermore, many exotic veterinarians specialize in treating and caring for pet chameleons, as well as raising awareness regarding their needs and nature. 

This field of study is highly extensive, as mimicking a chameleon’s natural habitat is very difficult, especially since these reptiles are ectothermic.

Besides encouraging people not to raise wild-caught chameleons in captivity, we can help spread information about what they need to thrive and be content in a tank.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, chameleons are proof of nature’s ingenuity and generosity. 

Their solitary nature, unique adaptations, and remarkable appearance showcase how diverse our planet’s wildlife is and remind us how little we know about the creatures that surround us!

The chameleon family consists of over 200 species, widespread primarily throughout Africa. 

These reptiles’ ability to change their skin color has captivated the interest of hundreds of thousands of people. 

Needless to say, their unique hunting techniques have only increased the fascination!

Besides their remarkable adaptations, chameleons also play an important ecological role in keeping their habitats healthy. 

Unfortunately, more than 100 species in their family are threatened primarily by habitat loss. 

For this reason, we’re encouraging you to spread the word about their uniqueness and, therefore, contribute to conservation efforts!

FAQs

Is it okay to touch a chameleon?

If you’re planning to buy a chameleon as a pet, you must know that they are not fond of being handled too much. Chameleons are shy and solitary.

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