Overview:-
- Perhaps no other name comes to our mind when talking about color-changing creatures. The rapid changing of skin color is the most distinctive feature of chameleons. Of course, chameleons can perfectly blend in with the surroundings using this behavior. But, the changing of the skin color of chameleons is actually caused by the change of their mood and temperature and intensity of light in the surrounding. Some species of chameleons can turn into almost any color.
- Chameleons have special pigment bearing cells under their skin. The change in mood, temperature or lights send a message from the brain to these cells. It results in the change in the color of skin. This change will happen in just 16-20 seconds. Chameleons use this technique to communicate with other chameleons. It also allows them to perfectly blend in with the surroundings.
Interesting Facts About Chameleons
- There are 160 different species of chameleons in total. Half of world’s chameleon species live in Madagascar island.
- Chameleons can move their eyes independently each other. Thus, they will get a 360-degree view of the surroundings.
- They vary in size. The Parson’s chameleon is the biggest chameleon in the world which measure up to 27 inches in length. Brookesia micra is the smallest known chameleon which is only 0.5 inches in length.
- Chameleons tongue measure 1.5-2 times of their body length.
- Chameleons can see both visible and ultraviolet light.
