Chameleon
Chamaeleonidae
Quick answer
Chameleons are a family of tree-dwelling lizards, most famous for changing color and for eyes that swivel independently to give nearly 360-degree vision. Found mainly in Africa and Madagascar, they catch insects with a sticky, projectile tongue that can extend longer than their own body. There are over 200 species, and color change is used as much for communication and temperature as for camouflage.
Chameleon facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Chamaeleonidae (family) |
|---|---|
| Diet | Insectivore (mostly) |
| Habitat | Forest, savanna, and scrub |
| Lifespan | 3–10 years depending on species |
| Length | Up to 60 cm (24 in) in large species |
| Top speed | Slow and deliberate |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (varies by species) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Chamaeleonidae |
What is a baby chameleon called?
Baby name
A baby Chameleon is called a hatchling.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
How they change color
Chameleons change color not mainly by pigment but by adjusting microscopic crystals in their skin that reflect different wavelengths of light. They shift color to communicate mood, attract mates, intimidate rivals, and regulate temperature, darkening to absorb heat. Camouflage is only part of the story.
Independent eyes
A chameleon's turret-like eyes move independently of each other, letting it scan in two directions at once for nearly 360-degree vision. When it spots prey, both eyes lock forward together to judge distance with precision before the tongue strikes.
The explosive tongue
A chameleon hunts by firing out a sticky-tipped tongue that can be longer than its entire body, striking prey in a fraction of a second with remarkable accuracy. Special gripping feet and a prehensile tail that curls around branches make it a slow but sure-footed climber.
Diversity and conservation
There are more than 200 chameleon species, around half of them found only on the island of Madagascar, from giants over half a meter long to tiny species smaller than a fingernail. While many are listed as Least Concern, deforestation and the pet trade threaten a number of the more specialized species.
Dig deeper into the Chameleon
- Chameleon Guide 4
Dig deeper into chameleon — chameleon guide 4.
- Chameleon Guide 5
Dig deeper into chameleon — chameleon guide 5.
- How Long do Chameleon Live?
Dig deeper into chameleon — how long do chameleon live.
- What do Chameleon Eat
Dig deeper into chameleon — what do chameleon eat.
- Where do Chameleon Live?
Dig deeper into chameleon — where do chameleon live.
Explore the Chameleon
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Related Reptiles
Range & geography
Did you know? Chameleon facts
- Chameleons are a family of tree-dwelling lizards, most famous for changing color and for eyes that swivel independently to give nearly 360-degree vision.
- Chameleons change color mainly by adjusting tiny light-reflecting crystals in their skin rather than by pigment alone. They do this to signal mood, communicate, attract mates, and control their temperature, not just to camouflage.
- A chameleon's eyes move independently, each in its own cone-shaped turret, giving nearly 360-degree vision so it can watch for prey and predators at the same time before focusing both eyes on a target.
- A chameleon's tongue can extend to longer than its own body length and shoots out in a fraction of a second to snatch insects with its sticky tip.
- Most chameleons are insectivores, eating insects such as crickets, locusts, and flies. Larger species may also take small birds or other lizards.
- Conservation: Least Concern (varies by species).
Diet & feeding
Chameleon feeds primarily as a insectivore (mostly). Chameleons change color not mainly by pigment but by adjusting microscopic crystals in their skin that reflect different wavelengths of light. They shift color to communicate mood, attract mates, intimidate rivals, and regulate temperature, darkening to absorb heat.
Adaptations
- Chameleons change color not mainly by pigment but by adjusting microscopic crystals in their skin that reflect different wavelengths of light. They shift color to communicate mood, attract mates, intimidate rivals, and regulate temperature, darkening to absorb heat. Camouflage is only part of the story.
- A chameleon's turret-like eyes move independently of each other, letting it scan in two directions at once for nearly 360-degree vision. When it spots prey, both eyes lock forward together to judge distance with precision before the tongue strikes.
Behaviour & ecology
- Chameleons change color not mainly by pigment but by adjusting microscopic crystals in their skin that reflect different wavelengths of light. They shift color to communicate mood, attract mates, intimidate rivals, and regulate temperature, darkening to absorb heat. Camouflage is only part of the story.
- A chameleon's turret-like eyes move independently of each other, letting it scan in two directions at once for nearly 360-degree vision. When it spots prey, both eyes lock forward together to judge distance with precision before the tongue strikes.
- A chameleon hunts by firing out a sticky-tipped tongue that can be longer than its entire body, striking prey in a fraction of a second with remarkable accuracy. Special gripping feet and a prehensile tail that curls around branches make it a slow but sure-footed climber.
Communication
- Scent marking, body posture, and head-bobbing or tail signals communicate threat and dominance.
- Vocalisations are limited in many reptiles but hissing or bellowing occurs in some groups.
Habitat & range
Forest, savanna, and scrub
Ecological role
Chameleon plays a recognised ecological role in forest, savanna, and scrub.
Conservation status of the Chameleon
Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
The chameleon (Chamaeleonidae) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Chameleon
How do chameleons change color?
Chameleons change color mainly by adjusting tiny light-reflecting crystals in their skin rather than by pigment alone. They do this to signal mood, communicate, attract mates, and control their temperature, not just to camouflage.
Why can chameleons look in two directions at once?
A chameleon's eyes move independently, each in its own cone-shaped turret, giving nearly 360-degree vision so it can watch for prey and predators at the same time before focusing both eyes on a target.
How long is a chameleon's tongue?
A chameleon's tongue can extend to longer than its own body length and shoots out in a fraction of a second to snatch insects with its sticky tip.
What do chameleons eat?
Most chameleons are insectivores, eating insects such as crickets, locusts, and flies. Larger species may also take small birds or other lizards.
Where do chameleons live?
Chameleons live mainly in mainland Africa and on Madagascar, with some species in southern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, in habitats from rainforest to desert scrub.
What is a baby chameleon called?
A baby Chameleon is called a hatchling.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Chameleon:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Chamaeleonidae.
- IUCN Red List — Chamaeleonidae.
Conservation status (Least Concern) and population trends.
- Wikipedia — Chameleon.
General taxonomy and overview (cross-check primary sources).
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How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
