about chameleons

In general, chameleons, with a few exceptions, live in wooded areas in warm regions. Dryness and humidity play a rather minor role. The two subfamilies of the group prefer different habitats: The true chameleons live in bushes and trees. Their body structure is adapted to life in the treetops (prehensile tail, prehensile feet). However, there are also some species that live on the ground. Among the ground or stump-tailed chameleons, the foliage and herb layer is generally preferred as a habitat.

Chameleons have some typical physical characteristics. Their stocky torso, high back and compact skull are striking. Other characteristic features include their specialized, independently moving eyes, their grasping hands, the pronounced color-changing ability of most species and their long tongue, which can be used for hunting. Chameleons can vary their body shape to some extent by inflating themselves or spreading out flaps on their heads. This makes it difficult to identify some species precisely. The body shapes and characteristics vary greatly even within a species and depend on age and gender.

As lizards, they usually lay eggs (on average 4 weeks after mating) , and are therefore oviparous . They can lay 5-35 eggs. Embryonic development takes a very long time, more than two months in some species. After hatching, however, the young are characterized by rapid body growth. Some species, such as several species from the genus Trioceros such as the Poroto three-horned chameleon ( Trioceros fuelleborni ), helmeted chameleon ( Trioceros hoehnelii ) and the three-horned chameleon ( Trioceros jacksonii ), give birth to fully developed young (ovoviviparous). Ovoviviparity is particularly common in reptile species in very cool habitats, as the soil does not provide a sufficiently high temperature for the eggs to develop.

diet

Chameleons feed on insects and other arthropods ; larger specimens also eat small birds , just as smaller members of their species are not spurned.

systematics

Of the more than 200 known chameleon species, more than 40% are restricted to the island of Madagascar.

mythology

The chameleon has become a proverbial term for people who know how to adapt to any environment. This term can have both positive and negative connotations. In some cultures, the chameleon represents time, as its eyes, with the ability to look backwards, sideways and forwards at the same time, are seen as a symbol of the unity of past, present and future.

symbolization

One aspect is the connection with death. According to this, the chameleon was the bearer of a message from the gods. In it, the gods described the immortality of humans

theory

Another property that the animal is said to have is magical healing powers. Chameleons are placed on the heads of sick people and then waited to see how the patient reacts. The diagnosis is then made from the reactions. Another healing effect is expected from dried chameleons that are ground into powder and taken in a soup.

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