🦎 Why does a chameleon change color?

Like changing outfits to match its mood, the chameleon changes the color of its body. Let's learn the secrets of this color magician.

📷 A chameleon gripping a branch tightly with its tail curled up.

What kind of animal is the chameleon?

Chameleons are lizards that mostly live in the forests of Africa and the island of Madagascar. They are famous for changing color, but they don't only do it to hide. Their color can also change when they feel happy or angry, when they are looking for a mate, or when they are too cold or too hot.

Under a chameleon's skin are rows of tiny crystals. When the spacing between them changes, the way light reflects off the skin changes too, and so does the color. Its two eyes move separately, so one eye can look forward while the other looks backward at the same time.

When it spots food, the chameleon shoots out its long, sticky tongue in a flash to catch an insect. In some kinds of chameleons, the tongue is as long as the body or even longer. Its toes grip branches like tongs, and its curly tail wraps around branches like a hand to help it balance.

🔍 Things to observe

• Look for a photo of a chameleon with its two eyes pointing in different directions.
• Look at how its tail wraps around a branch.
• Compare photos of the same chameleon showing different colors.

🖍️ Tips for drawing together with your child

• Draw a long body, a curled tail and feet gripping a branch.
• Divide the body into sections and color each one differently to show it changing color.
• Color it with the rainbow brush, and Designer Cami will give you a round of applause.

💬 Let's talk about it

• If you showed your mood as a color, what color would you be today?
• What would be good about having eyes that move separately?

🏪 In the game: Designer Cami