• Key Information

  • Chameleons

  • Species
    Over 200 species
  • Diet
    Carnivore (Insectivore)
  • Length
    0.59 in to 2 ft 4 in
  • Classification
    Reptilia > Squamata > Chamaeleonidae
  • Life Span
    2 to 25 years (in captivity)
  • Conservation Status
    Various
  • Habitat
    Forests and jungles
  • Learning Point
  • Chameleons are one of the most unusual and familiar animals on our planet, designed to live in the trees, and many have the ability to camouflage themselves, with some able to change their skin to many different colours.
  • Project
  • Draw a chameleon catching an insect.
  • Location
  • Places
    Africa, southern Europe, southern Asia
  • Fun Facts
  • The name "chameleon" comes from Greek and means "ground lion".
  • Not all chameleons can change their skin colour, and some are able to change basic colours, while others very complex colours and patterns.
  • When catching their prey with their tongue, the tongue can move and hit the target in only 0.07 seconds!
  • The bones of some chameleons shine so brightly when they are under ultraviolet light that they can be seen through the skin.