Chameleon walks

[CunningMoss]

Not sure if this has been questioned before, but I did a quick browing search and didn't find much.

I was wondering if some one can explain why it is the case that when chameleons walk.. they do this waddly, slow-motion walk?

Here are a couple video examples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKOFK9xjm_U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov2Yz_sZ2DI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn2hn0Fase4&feature=related

I've seen it so much in the wild documentaries+the captive ones that I assume it isn't a health problem.. Not quite sure what it is.

 

[okiroo]

they want to look like cute little leaves! its the leaf dance/walk!

 

[AESara]

It's thought to be because the motion helps them blend into blowing foliage. This is sometimes called the "leaf walk" for that reason.

 

[reptoman]

Chameleons do that to blend with the swaying of branches and leaves in the wind.

 

[Blevine1292]

Its to mimic the shaking of leaves and that sort of stuff, its just a camouflaging technique

 

[CunningMoss]

Interesting. Do the ones that have never observed leaves in the wind do it, too? Do they try to do it like that, or are their bodies built to encourage them to move like that?

 

[okiroo]

its probally instinct. i dont think they think or know any better of it.

 

[ckmazdaspeed3]

It's pretty obvious this is what they are doing when you see them do it on a tree branch outside on a windy day for the first time. It really works well... Not so well on the carpet or my arm though lol.

 

[okiroo]

clair is extra slow. she just lovessss takeing her sweet time with everything. but when i put her on her curtain suddnly she gets super happy and climbs up and down for HOURS. doing her fast leaf dance. totally cute!

 

[imcurt]

Well it is called the "the leaf walk" they think they look like leaves to passing preditiors

 

[okiroo]

Well it is called the "the leaf walk" they think they look like leaves to passing preditiors

GOSH! chams are jsut so cute! its amazing!!!! their little hand thingi they do when their mad and their little leaf walks. how can you not love them?