A chameleon is a lizard in the reptile family known for its unique eyes that move independently and its ability to change skin color for communication and camouflage.

A chameleon has special skin cells filled with colored pigments. When the chameleon wants to change color, it moves these pigments around. Think of it like squeezing a water balloon: the color concentrates where the balloon is squeezed and spreads out where it’s not. By controlling these squeezes and spreads in different cells, the chameleon can show different colors or patterns on its skin. They do this to blend in, communicate with other chameleons, or regulate their body temperature.

1. Pigment Movement: Inside the chromatophores, there are tiny “bags” filled with color. When a chameleon decides to change color, it sends signals to these bags. The bags can then spread out (making the color more visible) or bunch up (making the color less visible).


2. Different Colors, Different Layers: Imagine the chameleon’s skin like a multi-layered painting. The top layer might have yellow, the next layer might have blue, and beneath them, there might be a layer with brown or black. By deciding which layer to “show off” and how much, the chameleon can mix and match to create various colors.


3. Why Change?:
• Camouflage: The most famous reason. They can match their surroundings to hide from predators or while hunting.
• Mood Ring: Like a mood ring, chameleons can show how they feel. If they’re upset, they might turn dark. If they’re trying to attract a mate, they might show bright patterns.
• Warm Up or Cool Down: Dark colors absorb more sunlight and warmth. So, on a chilly day, they might turn darker to warm up faster.


4. Special Reflections: Apart from the colored bags, chameleons have cells with tiny crystals. These crystals can reflect light in special ways. Depending on how these crystals are arranged, they can make the chameleon look blue or even shiny white.

In essence, by controlling the spread of pigments in these special skin cells and reflecting light in unique ways, chameleons master the art of color change.


This article was written by STEWIE, no part of this should be used elsewhere without referencing the author.

The chameleon is truly Blessed even in Yoruba folklore there is a saying that whatever cloth the chameleon wants he ask from the Almighty and the Almighty bequeath it to him.