CHAMELEON
			Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Chordata Reptilia Squamata Chameleontidae

There are about 80 species of these slow-moving, fascinating lizards. Some are less than 2 inches long (5 cm), while others grow to about 24 inches (60 cm). Most live in forests in Africa south of the Sahara Desert. The common chameleon ranges from the Middle East along the coast of North Africa to southern Spain.

Chameleons are probably the most unique of all lizards. Each has a thin, high body, that is flattened from side to side. Jackson's chameleons have horns, while the flap-necked chameleon has a helmet-shaped head. Many species will wrap their tails around a twig or branch for extra grip. The toes of each foot are joined so as to produce feet-like tongs, which give them a firm hold on the branches.

Chameleons are slow-moving animals, rarely moving more than one limb at a time, while it anchors itself firmly before making its next move. Their eyes move constantly in search of food or danger. Each eye swivels independently of the other, and is very strange to observe. If a chameleon sees an insect or some other prey within range, it shoots out a tongue far longer than its own body length. The victim is trapped on the sticky tongue tip and whipped back into the chameleon's mouth, the whole attack being over in about one second.

Chameleons can change color in response to changes in light, temperature, or emotional state. Color changes may act as a camouflage or as an indication of a given mood to other chameleons. For example, it is thought that an angry chameleon will turn a black color, although temperature can play a large role in this area.

Some chameleons lay eggs, others bear live young. Within a day the young catch prey.