Chameleons are a special group of reptiles best known for changing colors. They have bulging eyes, rotating eyes, long tongues to catch insects, and absence of ear openings. Their skin has color pigment cells that allow some species to change color, creating patterns of pink, blue, red, orange, green, black, brown, yellow and purple. In the reptile world, chameleons have striking colors and shapes. They change colors, have long sticky tongues, and eyes moving independently.
Chameleons belong to the lizard family with toes fused into opposed bundles of two and three. Most species change colors. This signals to other chameleons and camouflages them. Some species are small like the Brookesia micra which is 3 cm long as an adult. Chameleons change colors thanks to pigment cells under the skin. They blend into the environment, becoming invisible to prey and predators.
The chameleon is a lizard living on trees. It camouflages and changes color. We give scientific names to avoid confusion. The Pygmy Chameleon is very small, only reaching 3.5 inches long. Chameleons have powerful tongues to catch insects. They are quadrupedal with extrudable tongues and rotating eyes. Some make good pets with proper care. They change colors and dance to communicate. Chameleons are considered good luck symbols. A “chameleon” person changes beliefs or behavior to please others.
Does a chameleon make a good pet?
Chameleons make good pets. But new reptile owners should not start with this animal. Chameleons are difficult to maintain. The word “chameleon” comes from Greek words meaning “earth lion”.
They require specific environments and temperatures to thrive. Their delicate nature means they can get stressed or ill if not properly cared for.
Chameleons are popular exotic pets due to their unique appearance. But they are not the best pets for everyone.
They don’t need walked or played with. They eat insects which are easy to find or buy. However, they require total commitment and optimal maintenance.
While beautiful pets, beginners should be cautious with them. Their complicated care calls for proper feeding, temperatures, humidity and supplementation.
Their popularity grows through movies and social media. Robust, captive bred chameleons are now easily available. But they have a much different life than ours.
Whether suitable pets depends on your experience, temperament and expectations. With alignment, you can have a long, rewarding experience.
What does it mean that someone is a chameleon?
A “chameleon” is a person who changes his or her opinions, ethics, morals, and behavior to please others or to defend himself or herself.
The narcissist is a master of projecting themselves as someone everybody wants around and get to know. Charming and irresistible is the narcissist.
High self-monitors are like “social chameleons.” They engage in high levels of self-presentation and present different “versions” of themselves, depending on the situation.
A “chameleon” is a person who changes his or her opinions, ethics, morals, and behavior to please others or to defend himself or herself.
The narcissist is a master of projecting themselves as someone everybody wants around and get to know. Charming and irresistible is the narcissist.
High self-monitors are like “social chameleons.” They engage in high levels of self-presentation and present different “versions” of themselves, depending on the situation.
Do chameleons smell as pets?
Chameleons themselves are generally odorless. Their enclosure can give off smells if things aren’t tended to regularly and feeder insects not regularly cleaned.
Many things in a chameleon’s environment can cause it to smell. The type of soil and substrate that you choose can make your chameleon smelly. Let your chameleon’s soil sit out in the sun for a few days to diminish smells before putting it into the habitat. Standing water in your chameleon’s habitat can also cause odor. It can create a musty smell that can permeate into your chameleon’s skin.
Chameleons pick up odor from diet and hold it in mouth pockets. If a chameleon keeps food in its mouth for too long, it will smell from food that has started to rot.
When a chameleon smells, it often comes from its excrement. A smelly chameleon may have health issues, or it may just be trying to attract its prey.
The place of origin of the chameleon will determine the terrarium’s temperature, humidity and other variables. It is important you discuss these care options with the person from whom you adopt the reptile.
Chameleons are arboreal animals. In the wild they climb from tree to tree. To complete your chameleon terrarium, you will need an appropriate substrate and specific vegetation.