You’ve probably heard of the common chameleon, also known as Chamaeleo Vulgaris or the veiled chameleon, even if you’ve never seen one in person before. These fascinating lizards have adapted to be able to blend into their environment and change color accordingly, making them pretty cool pets for some people. Here are 10 fun facts about common chameleons that you might not know!
1) They’re old – very old
Since there are numerous species of chameleon, it’s difficult to say exactly how old they are. Experts believe that chameleons first appeared somewhere between 70 and 80 million years ago during a period called The Cretaceous.
2) They are abundant in nature
There are approximately 150 species of chameleon in nature, each with its distinct appearance and color patterns. There is no such thing as a typical chameleon, which means that if you see one on your hike through the woods, it will probably be a pretty rare sighting. The Panther Chameleon is often seen in wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife stores in North America, while the Veiled Chameleons are rare.
3) The smallest species measure about 4 inches in length
Smaller chameleon species are under 4 inches long. Examples include Panther chameleons and Veiled chameleons. These tiny lizard pets make fantastic starter pets for children or people who aren’t sure if they want to dedicate a lot of time and energy to caring for an exotic pet. They can also be kept in smaller spaces than other chameleon species, making them ideal for apartment dwellers or people with limited space in their homes.
4) Chameleons belong to their own family
Chamaeleonidae. The Panther chameleon, a medium-sized type of chameleon, can be found in Madagascar. Their distinct color changes come from pigment cells that sit on top of a layer of crystals; as light hits these cells and changes their physical properties, they shift to reveal different colors. Due to their unique features, and because they are not endangered or threatened, we can responsibly choose to own them as pets.
5) They can change colors rapidly
The colors that they can change to may be affected by their mood, however, some of them can quickly change colors so they can camouflage themselves. For a chameleon to remain in one color, they have to remain still. If they move, it will cause their body and other elements around them (such as leaves) to catch different lights and reflect different colors, thus causing different tones of one color.
6) They can detect movement high up in the treetops
Chameleons are some of nature’s most agile creatures. They can climb any surface they want, which is why they’re often seen up in trees. But did you know that chameleons also have a third set of eyes on their upper head? These eyes aren’t used for seeing as our two main eyes are; rather, these sets of eyes help them focus when jumping from tree to tree or trying to grab bugs in mid-air.
7) There are more than 185 species of chameleon on earth.
The chameleon is a type of lizard that can live in many different places. They are known for changing color and doing so to fit in with their surroundings. Some types of chameleon live in trees and have long tongues so they can catch insects. But others live in bushes where they will quickly hide when it rains because they don’t like getting wet.
8) Their tongues are highly specialized to catch prey
The chameleon’s tongue is twice as long as its body and is composed of muscles, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When not in use, it can grow back inside of their bodies. If a chameleon attacks prey bigger than itself, it will be injured in doing so. Don’t believe it?
9) Their tail is used as a storehouse for water, helping them survive in arid regions
Unlike many lizards, chameleons can’t get water from their food because they eat insects and spiders, which don’t have much water in them. So a chameleon will often tuck its tail into plants or debris while it rests to absorb moisture, then swing its tail out later for quick gulps.
10) When they open their mouths, you can see their tongue darting back and forth, searching for insects.
The tongue is a prehensile appendage that can be used to catch prey, for grooming, and even to cover their eyes in self-defense. The chameleon’s tongue is also super sticky which gives them an extra grip when capturing prey. Chameleons can extend their tongues up to half of their body length! That would mean your pet chameleon could have a tongue over 9 inches long! Impressive right?
