Welcome to the Think Tank

Un useful facts about Chameleons (there very similar to Humans you know)

• Did you know that “Chameleon” translated means “little Lion”.
• A “Herpetologist” is a person who studies reptiles. (Not Herpes a common misconception among the pub quiz fraternity)
• “Husbandry” is the term used to describe all aspects of how we take care of reptiles. (Of Particular Importance to Those Involved in Marriage)
• The ability to change color is not unique to chameleons. Many animals including fish, frogs and other lizards, have this ability. (Includes Politicians)
• Chameleons have several kinds of pigment located with different cells in their skin. The pigment that is most responsible for most color changes is MELANIN. This is a dark substance contained in cells known as MELANOPHORES.
• Chameleons are “ectotherms”, animals whose temperatures are controlled from outside their bodies.
• Chameleons react to heat and cold by changing color too. Unless they can increase their body temperature by absorbing heat from the sun, they stay the same temperature as the air around them. Without warmth, they cannot hunt, move, or digest their food. In the morning they squeeze their sides together and puff out their chins, flattening their bodies to create more surface area. Dark colors absorb heat better, so the side of the chameleon facing the sun becomes almost black, while the other remains it usual color!
• They often take place in response to changes in temperature, light, mood, and emotions. Changing color is also a way of communicating between other chameleons. If they are fearful or territorial, their emotions will evoke a particular color/pattern.
• Chameleons cannot camouflage themselves by matching their surroundings! Chameleons protect themselves by moving very slowly, and swaying back and forth as they walk to mimic a leaf blowing in the wind!
• It is not unusual to see a chameleon eat the dead skin they out-grow, once it has been shed off. (there’s no excuse for greed)
• Chameleons do have taste buds! (see above)
• Chameleons have a poor sense of smell. (also see above)
• Chameleons have ears, which are 2 tiny holes (not visible to the eye), which are located near the eyes. They hear vibrations in the air, which help them find food and stay safe from their enemies. They are almost deaf, but can hear tones and feel vibrations. Vision is their best sense! (this make them good at husbandry)
• When a lizard is sick or has eaten something that does not agree with it, it may throw up. This is sometimes harmful to the lizard because they tend to become dehydrated when this occurs. (they tell you this by shaking there wrists)
• Chameleon tails are “Prehensile”. This means they can wrap around objects and grip them, just like the tails of many monkeys!
• Veiled chameleons have “Zygodactyl” feet. Toes are grouped in opposition to each other.
• Chameleons cannot re-grow their tails, like many other reptiles can.
• Most chameleons are “Arboreal” creatures, meaning they dwell mainly in the “trees” and are rarely seen walking on the ground unless preparing to lay eggs or hunting. There are some rare species that live most of their entire lives on the ground, under leaves!
• Chameleons are built for climbing. Their hands and feet develop sharp nails (never clip them) to grip branches. Chameleons can walk fairly well on carpeted surfaces, but do not like any surface where they have lack of traction, like a hardwood floors.
• Many chameleons enjoy sleeping upside down, or in a corner, do not panic if you see this!
• Unlike most reptiles, chameleons have the ability to see in color!
• A sure sign that your chameleon is sick, is if it is sleeping during the day, or has one or both eyes closed. Chameleon’s do not sleep during the day. (only sometimes)