One Planet News: Chameleons - the masters of disguise

How much do you know about chameleons?

One Planet News is an online newsletter and digital magazine. Set up by journalist and conservationist Annette J Beveridge, the aim is to bring the wonders of the natural world to life. Come and join us.

Wild Insights - The Masters of Disguise

By Annette J Beveridge

Organisms use camouflage to hide their location, whether to remain safe or to sneak up on prey, but one animal takes camouflage and dramatic flair to a whole new level.

Chameleons are a highly specialised part of what is called Old World Lizards, and there are approximately 200 species within this group. Some chameleons are as small as a fingernail, and others grow to two feet. They have many specialised features which we will explore here.

Colour changes

Colour-shifting camouflage can be extensive, demonstrating a plethora of colour, or it can be, for some species, an adaptation of brightness. The secret is in the cells of the skin. Chromatophores contain various pigments, and beneath these are the cells (iridophores) which reflect light. Chameleons can manipulate the spacing of crystals in these iridophores, changing the way light is reflected.

Each layer of skin plays a distinct role: