Chameleons are lizards that are well-known for their ability to change colors. This amazing ability allows chameleons to communicate, regulate their temperature, and camouflage themselves from predators and prey. But not all chameleons have the same color changing capabilities. There are over 160 species of chameleons that come in a dazzling array of colors and patterns. The level of color change varies between species based on their natural habitats and needs for camouflage and communication.
How Chameleons Change Colors
Chameleons change colors using specialized cells called chromatophores that are found in their skin. Chromatophores contain pigments of red, yellow, brown, and blue. By dispersing and concentrating these pigments within the chromatophore cells, chameleons can change the visible color and pattern on their skin.
This color change is controlled by hormones, temperature, mood, and communications. The color changes can occur rapidly, within seconds or minutes. Chameleons have specialized muscles around the chromatophore cells that allow them to quickly disperse or concentrate pigment when needed.
Species with Exceptional Color Changing Abilities
While all chameleons can change color to some degree, three species are exceptionally good at quickly changing a wide range of bright colors.
Panther Chameleon
The panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) from Madagascar is one of the most colorful and vibrant species of chameleon. They can display an incredible range of colors and patterns.
| Colors |
|---|
| Bright green |
| Deep blue |
| Red |
| Orange |
| Yellow |
| Pink |
| Purple |
| Black |
| White |
| Turquoise |
Males are typically brighter colored than females. The ability to rapidly shift between these colors allows the panther chameleon to easily camouflage in trees and foliage.
Jackson’s Chameleon
Jackson’s chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii) is a popular chameleon from East Africa known for its three horns and wide range of colorful patterns. The background colors displayed include:
| Colors |
|---|
| Green |
| Yellow |
| Brown |
| Blue |
These backgrounds can be accompanied by stripes, spots, and complex mottled patterns of black, yellow, white, orange, blue, and purple. This exceptional color range allows Jackson’s chameleon to easily blend into its habitat.
Veiled Chameleon
The veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) from Yemen and Saudi Arabia is a large species that can rapidly shift between bright green, turquoise, yellow, and orange. Males have large head crests and enlarged cheek scales that turn vivid blue when they are excited. The veiled chameleon’s habitat of trees and bushes makes this wide range of colors key for camouflage and communication.
| Colors |
|---|
| Green |
| Yellow |
| Orange |
| Blue |
| Turquoise |
Species with Limited Color Changing Abilities
While some chameleon species can produce a rainbow of colors, others have more limited color changing abilities. Three chameleon species that are restricted to simpler color changes are:
Pygmy Leaf Chameleon
The tiny pygmy leaf chameleon (Brookesia minima) of Madagascar is the world’s smallest chameleon. It has limited color change compared to other chameleons, with an overall brown or beige base color. It can darken or lighten its skin slightly to aid in camouflage but lacks bright color displays.
Nosy Be Panther Chameleon
The Nosy Be panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) of Madagascar has less impressive color changing abilities than its mainland cousin. Its color range is limited to mottled patterns of greys, greens, and browns which helps it blend into the trees and foliage of its island home.
Meller’s Chameleon
Meller’s chameleon (Trioceros melleri) of East Africa has a simpler, muted color range compared to Jackson’s chameleon which shares a similar habitat. It lacks the bright greens, blues, and yellows of its relative. Meller’s chameleon changes between various shades of olive green, brown, and black to camouflage itself in its rainforest home.
What Allows Some Chameleons to Change Color More?
Researchers believe there are two key factors that allow certain chameleon species to change color more dramatically:
Habitat
Chameleons like the panther and Jackson’s that live in dense forests with lots of green vegetation tend to have greater color changing abilities. Their wide range of greens, yellows, turquoise, blues, and oranges allow them to precisely match the leaves and branches around them. Desert species like the pygmy leaf chameleon don’t need as many colors to blend into their brown and beige surroundings.
Camouflage Needs
Species with greater risks from predators are also more likely to have an impressive color palette. Brightly colored males need to safely display to mates while not becoming an easy meal themselves. This pressure selects for chameleons with superior color changes for camouflage like the panther and veiled chameleon. In contrast, the tiny pygmy leaf chameleon has few predators, so doesn’t need an elaborate camouflage response.
Color Change for Communication
In addition to camouflage, chameleons will temporarily change colors during social interactions, especially when territory or mates are involved. Some examples include:
| Chameleon | Communication Color Change |
|---|---|
| Panther | Males turn darker blue when defending territory |
| Jackson’s | Orange spots appear on the body when male is displaying to a female |
| Veiled | Males show vivid blue and green when courting females |
The temporary burst of color allows chameleons to get their point across during social interactions, after which their coloration returns to normal.
Color Change to Regulate Temperature
Chameleons will also change colors to help regulate their body temperature. Darker black, brown, and grey colors will absorb heat from sunlight which helps them warm up. Bright green, turquoise, yellow, or blue shades reflect more sunlight to prevent overheating. This thermoregulation allows chameleons to conserve energy compared to other reptiles that must move into the sun or shade to alter their temperature.
Conclusion
The chameleon’s legendary color changing abilities have evolved to allow these amazing lizards to survive in their natural habitats. Species like the panther, Jackson’s, and veiled chameleons that live in dense forests have evolved the most impressive color ranges to perfectly camouflage themselves. Other factors like the need for vivid mating displays and thermoregulation have also shaped their rainbow palette over time. So while all chameleons can alter their hues, some exceptional species can rapidly shift through a kaleidoscope of colors to thrive in their environment.