A chameleon's eyes can move independently and are adapted to detecting and regulating light, of particular interest is the ability of the chameleon to adjust its eye lens to enlarge visual images. Chameleons have a rapidly extrudable tongue that enables the capture of insects at a distance. Larger chameleons are also able to prey on small lizards and birds. A chameleon captures its prey by launching its tongue to a distance longer than twice its body length with pinpoint accuracy at its victim which gets stuck at the tip of the tongue.
Retractor muscles then draw the tongue and prey back into the mouth. Most chameleons reproduce by laying between 2 to 40 eggs, which are buried in soil or rotting plant matter. However, there are some species such as Jackson's chameleon that give birth to live offspring. The young ones of these species, however, do not have placentas since the females incubate their eggs inside their body instead of laying the eggs. Typically, chameleons reach sexual maturity in 1 to 2 years except for the Madagascan chameleon which reaches maturity in just two months and then dies a month later after reproduction.
The same is true of beetles and many other arthropods. By virtue of residing in the rainforests of Madagascar, which are being cut down to make room for agriculture and livestock, B.
Fortunately, B. Alex Fox is a freelance science journalist based in Washington, D. You can find him at Alexfoxscience. This eye-popping reptile really knows how to scale up the cool factor. All rights reserved. Personality Quizzes. Funny Fill-In. Amazing Animals. Weird But True! Party Animals. Try This! Explore More. Chameleons change colors to attract mates, regulate body temperature, or tell intruders to stay away. Common Name: Meller's Chameleon.
Scientific Name: Trioceros melleri. Type: Reptiles.
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