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Chameleons (family Chamaeleonidae) are squamates that belong to one of the best-known lizard families. The word is the Latinized form of the Ancient Greek χαμαιλέων (khamaileon), from χαμαί (khamai) "on the earth, on the ground" + λέων (leon) "lion", translating the Akkadian nēš qaqqari, "ground lion".[1]

Chameleons have very long tongues (sometimes longer than their own body length) which they are capable of rapidly extending out of the mouth. The tongue extends out faster than human eyes can follow, at around 26 body lengths per second. The tongue hits the prey in about 30 thousandths of a second.[3] The tongue has a sticky tip on the end, which serves to catch prey items. The tongue's tip is a bulbous ball of muscle, and as it hits its prey, it rapidly forms a small suction cup. Once the tongue sticks to a prey item, it is drawn quickly back into the mouth, where the chameleon's strong jaws crush it and it is consumed. Even a small chameleon is capable of eating a large locust or mantis. Ultraviolet light is part of the visible spectrum for chameleons.[4] Chameleons exposed to ultraviolet light show increased social behavior and activity levels, are more inclined to bask and feed and are also more likely to reproduce as it has a positive effect on the pineal gland.

HOW CHAMELEONS CHANGE COLOR

There are more than 100 types of chameleons. Most change from brown to green and back. But some turn almost any color. A change can occur in 20 seconds! How does this color "magic" happen?

Chameleons are born with special cells that have a color, or pigment, in them. These cells lie in layers under the chameleon's outer skin. They are called chromatophores (kro MAT uh fors). The top layers of chromatophores have red or yellow pigment. The lower layers have blue or white pigment. When these pigment cells change, the chameleon's skin color changes.

Chromatophores change because they get a message from the brain. The message tells the cells to enlarge or to shrink. These actions cause cell pigments to mix—just like paint.

A chemical called melanin (MEH la nuhn) also helps chameleons turn color. Melanin fibers can spread like spiderwebs through layers of pigment cells. Their presence causes skin to darken.

WHY CHAMELEONS CHANGE COLOR

Many people think chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings. Scientists disagree. Their studies show that light, temperature, and mood cause chameleons to change color. Sometimes changing color can make the chameleon more comfortable. Sometimes it helps the animal communicate with other chameleons.

Light: Say a brown chameleon decides to rest in the sun. The chameleon's brain may tell the yellow cells in its skin to become larger than the blue cells below. Suddenly the chameleon turns green. This lighter color helps the skin reflect bright sunlight.

Temperature: If a chameleon is cold, it might turn a darker color. Why? Because darker colors absorb more heat than light ones.

Mood: Mood probably causes most color changes. For example, if a panther chameleon gets angry, red and yellow replace its normal color. A chemical called melanin rises toward the skin's surface, causing areas of the skin to darken. The animal's new look tells other chameleons, "I'm ready to fight!"

When a male wants to attract a female, he will wear his most flashy colors, as if to say, "Hey baby, want to hang out?" One type of male chameleon will change from brown to purple and light blue. His eyelids may even turn yellow with green spots. What female chameleon wouldn't fall for such a handsome guy?