The word Furcifer is derived from the Latin word “furci” or forked.
The oldest known chameleon fossil is from the extinct species Chamaeleo caroliquarti. It was found in Europe and is 26 million years old.
True chameleons include the following genera: Archaius, Bradypodion, Brookesia, Calumma, Chamaeleo, Furcifer, Kinyongia, Nadzikambia, Palleon, Rhampholeon, Rieppeleon and Trioceros.
Pygmy chameleons have bicuspid claws where each claw has two points like a crescent moon.
Chameleons have acrodont teeth meaning they are an extension of the jawbone. They are not set in sockets nor are they replaced.
The largest chameleon species by weight is Calumma parsonii (Parson’s Chameleon).
The word Bradypodion comes from the latin “bradus podos” or slow foot.
Kinyongia uthmoelleri and Trioceros quadricornis gracilor have red claws.
Chameleons can project their tongue up to 2.2 times their body length.
The word Brookesia is named after the British naturalist Joshua Brookes.