There are a recorded 171 species of Chameleons in the world, ranging in size from .5 inches to 27 inches. Chameleons are part of the reptile family and the iguana suborder. Unlike many other animals Chameleons continue to shed pieces of their skin as they outgrow it throughout their entire life span. Contrary to popular beliefs, chameleons change colors depending on many factors such as their emotions, as well as changes in light, temperature, and humidity.

They mostly live in Asia and Africa, in a variety of climates ranging from rainforests to deserts to mountains, spending most of their lives in trees and bushes. This is possible because they have five toes, which act like our thumbs on our hands allowing them to grasp things! There distinctive eyes allow them to see three hundred and sixty degrees at all times, and when they see prey both eyes can focus in the same direction.

Their lifespan is unknown in the wild, and up to ten years in zoos. They reach their breeding age between 1-2 years of age, and their egg incubation lasts between four and twenty four months while live births range from four to six months depending on the species.

Chameleons are fascinating creatures which in the past has called for many tales to explain their color changing. The chameleon has been involved in many traditional tales from Africa, such as “Anansi and the Chameleon” and “The curse of the Chameleon”. In fact in one of Aesop’s fables the Chameleon was seen as a philosopher who sought to teach men to be moderate in their opinions.

Although in present day most people know some things about these creatures, and they have become relatively east to acquire, with some internet searching they show up for sale for about a hundred dollars depending on the species.