) are regarded by some researchers. Over 150 species are presently acknowledged, and extra kinds keep on being to generally be named. About 50 % on the species arise only in Madagascar, whereas Other individuals happen mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Two species manifest in Asia; one particular is indigenous to southern India and Sri Lanka (

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Categorized as "old planet" lizards because they're only indigenous to Africa and Eurasia, chameleons consist of a dozen named genera and over 200 individual species. Broadly Talking, these reptiles are characterised by their small size, quadrupedal postures, extrudable tongues, and independently rotating eyes.

Most chameleons are oviparous, but all Bradypodion species and a lot of Trioceros species are ovoviviparous (While some biologists choose to avoid the expression ovoviviparous thanks to inconsistencies with its use in certain animal teams, in its place just applying viviparous).[56]

The action is very quick, taking fewer than 0.07 seconds. The tongue’s suggestion is usually a muscular, sticky ball that can grasp and hold onto prey. This system is extremely productive and enables chameleons to capture prey from a substantial length.

The identify has also been placed on the Untrue chameleon, or anole, a different Planet lizard of the genus Anolis

So far as paleontologists can tell, the very first chameleons progressed shortly after the extinction of dinosaurs sixty five million decades in the past. The earliest discovered species, Anqingosaurus brevicephalus, lived in middle Paleocene Asia. On the other hand, there is some indirect proof that chameleons had been extant 100 million several years ago, all through the center Cretaceous period chameleon of time, Maybe originating in Africa, which would demonstrate their profusion in Madagascar.

But later on writers who realized the shape on the term in historic Greek and Latin modified the spelling to chameleon,

You can find at present 26 identified species in the Brookesia genus. We however have much to study these remarkable lizards!

Prey food really should be intestine-loaded with calcium right before feeding and will be dusted that has a calcium supplement. Some nutritious leafy greens (stay clear of spinach, lettuce, and cabbage) and also other vegetables and fruits might be offered in compact amounts as chameleons will sometimes take in these.

Chameleons have essentially the most distinctive eyes of any reptile. The upper and decreased eyelids are joined, with just a pinhole big sufficient for your pupil to check out via. Each and every eye can pivot and concentrate independently, making it possible for the chameleon to look at two unique objects simultaneously.

Chameleons have to have a ventilated terrarium with an abundance of House for development, and vegetation to cover in.

Most With this genus were only identified to science within the very last thirty several years and do not even have widespread names. Because of their modest sizing and secretive nature, they have not been researched about their greater kinfolk. 

The mating rituals of chameleons might be pretty elaborate. Males exhibit their most vivid colors and should conduct a dance to draw in girls.