Chameleons are one of the most recognizable members of the animal kingdom thanks to their ability to change color and bulgy eyes. But ask yourself, what else do you know about them? Well, if the answer is: “not a lot,” then reading the following fun facts is a great way to change that.
There Are a Lot More Chameleon Species Than You Think
A fascinating thing about chameleons is that 202 different species can be found around the globe. They come in all sorts of different sizes and colors, with the biggest one, Parson’s chameleon, reaching length of 25 inches, and the smallest one, B. micra, being just 1.1 inches long.
Chameleons Change Color for All Sorts of Different Reasons
Most people believe chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings. However, the truth is that color change can happen for all sorts of reasons and can depend on the reptile’s mood, the weather condition, or their attempt to attract a partner.
Chameleons Can Move Their Eyes Separately
Having bulgy eyes is quite beneficial for chameleons. This gives them a wider field of view, enabling them to be aware of their surroundings and to spot predators a lot more efficiently. Additionally, they can move their eyes separately and are able to focus on two things at once.
Chameleon’s Tongue is Twice as Long as Its Body
You probably know that chameleons have long tongues. However, did you know that their tongues are usually twice as long as their bodies? This, alongside the fact that the tip of their tongue is covered in sticky mucus, allows them to be efficient in catching insects.
