Cool Chameleon Facts You’ll Want To Know

(Source: list25)

Known for their bizarre appearance and unique abilities, chameleons are undoubtedly one of the most interesting creatures in the animal kingdom. You probably know they can change their skin color but do you know where chameleons live or how many chameleon species there are? If you want to learn more about these amazing animals including some chameleon facts for kids or if you consider getting yourself a chameleon pet, it’s highly recommended to check out this post with some Cool Chameleon Facts You’ll Want To Know.

Chameleon habitat ranges greatly from rain forests and mountains to savanna and deserts, but all chameleons live in warm (tropical or subtropical) areas.

While chameleons can be found in many parts of the world including southern Europe, Southeast Asia, Hawaii, California, and Florida, almost half of the world's 200 chameleon species live in Madagascar.

The English word “chameleon” is derived from the Latin word “chamaeleón” which translates as “the lion of the ground.”

With an adult size of up to 70 cm (27 in), the Parson’s chameleon is considered the largest chameleon species in the world.

The world´s smallest chameleon, the leaf chameleon, measures just about 1.6 cm (0.5 in), and it can sit comfortably on the head of a match. It is also one of the smallest vertebrates ever discovered.

Boasting the most distinctive eyes of any reptile, chameleons have large eyes with a 360-degree arc of vision and can see two directions at once.

Chameleons also have a very distinctive tongue. Up to 2 times longer than their body, the tongue can be rapidly projected to capture prey.

Chameleons generally eat insects, but larger species, such as the common chameleon, may also eat other lizards and even birds.

Like snakes, chameleons do not have an outer or a middle ear, so there is neither an ear opening nor an eardrum. However, chameleons are not deaf; they can pick up sound frequencies in the range of 200–600 Hz.

Contrary to popular belief, when a chameleon changes its skin color, the animal usually is not trying to camouflage itself by blending into the environment. More often, it does that to control its body temperature, to communicate with other chameleons, or to express emotions.

Found in the dry mountainous regions of Yemen and Saudi Arabia, the veiled chameleon has a distinctive growth on its head called a casque. The casque acts like a water collector - droplets of moisture roll down it and right into the chameleon's open mouth.