Chameleons are widely known for their unique ability to change color. However, while most people believe that chameleons do so for the purpose of blending in with their surroundings, this is not necessarily the case. Factors that influence color change include light, temperature, and the chameleon’s current mood. More often than not, chameleons will change color in order to attract attention, whether it be to communicate their mood or to assert their level of interest in other chameleons.

How is it that chameleons change color, and why do they go about doing so?

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Chameleons are able to change color due to a kind of cell known as a chromatophore. A chromatophore is a special type of pigment-containing cell. There are three main types of these cells existing in layers beneath the chameleon’s skin. Xanthophores, consisting of red and yellow pigments, make up the upper layers of cells. The lower layers consist of iridophores, which contain a colorless substance and platelets capable of reflecting light. Also found within the deeper layers, the melanin that is present within melanophores is crucial to the process of color change.

According to HowStuffWorks, a muscle capable of constricting and expanding surrounds each cell. When chromatophores of a certain pigment are constricted and cells of all other pigments are relaxed, the chameleon is capable of changing its color. Color change also depends upon the platelets within the iridophores, as these platelets have the ability to scatter and reflect light in different ways.

One Live Science article describes how chameleons change color in response to conditions such as temperature. For example, if a chameleon spends an extended period of time in the sun, their chromatophores will contract. This contraction will allow the darker pigment to subside, and it will be replaced by a lighter color that reflects the sun’s rays as opposed to absorbing them. This will cool the chameleon down.

Why exactly do chameleons change color? Again, according to Live Science, one reason may be to communicate their mood. For example, a Panther Chameleon turns a bright red color when angry; this also acts as a warning to other chameleons. Chameleons may also change color due to their desire for mating. For example, male chameleons often turn brighter colors in order to attract the attention of female chameleons. Certain female chameleons are also capable of changing colors when they are pregnant, sending a signal to males that they are unavailable and uninterested. These examples demonstrate how chameleons frequently use their color-changing abilities as a valuable form of communication.

The ability to change color is a unique attribute that allows chameleons to respond to changes in temperature and light. This color-changing ability is also critical in terms of communication with other chameleons. It is a common misconception that chameleons change color for the purpose of camouflage; in fact, more often than not, it is actually for opposite reasons!

Source: http://www.lizardtypes.com/chameleon-pictures/chameleon-picture12/