Autofluorescence (primary fluorescence) is the fluorescence of naturally occurring substances, such as chlorophyll, collagen and fluorite. Most plant and animal tissues show some autofluorescence when excited with ultraviolet light (e.g. light of wavelength around 365 nm).
In Chameleonology, we are knowing a lot about fluorescence thanks to the phenomenal work of David Prötzel:
Chameleons of the genus Chamaeleo exhibit unique secondary sexual characteristics, including the male tarsal spur, calcar, a caudal protrusion located on the hind feet. This article investigates the morphology, ontogeny, and potential functions of the tarsal spur, focusing on species differentiation and its implications for chameleon research and...
A completely new view on the origin of the name Chameleon was published few years ago...
The word "Harba" (حَرْبَة) meaning chameleon in Arabic carries fascinating cultural and linguistic significance
Moloch horridus, commonly known as the thorny devil or thorny lizard, exhibits unique adaptations for survival in its arid Australian desert habitat. One of its remarkable behaviors is the capillary rain drinking behaviour, which allows it to efficiently gain moisture from its environment, particularly during rare rainfall events.
Oud, or Dehn Al Oudh, also spelled as Dahn Al Oud (دهن العود), translates to "The Fat of the Wood" in Arabic. It refers to the oil extracted from agarwood, which is one of the most precious and sought-after ingredients in perfumery. Agarwood forms when certain trees, primarily from the Aquilaria genus, become infected by a fungus or...
Varanus mcraei, commonly known as The Blue Monitor, primarily uses its tail for balance and agility rather than for any significant prehensile purposes. While they are known to be good climbers and may curl or wrap their tails around branches for stability, their tails are not considered truly prehensile like those of chameleons that use their...
On a sunny afternoon, with the warmth of the sun wrapping around you like a gentle embrace, inspiration flows from the vibrant sights surrounding you. You've witnessed the intricate dance of artisans, their hands weaving and dyeing traditional fabrics of hemp, cotton, and silk in the bustling yet peaceful capital of Indo-China's Laos, the Vientiane...
Chameleons bask primarily to regulate their body temperature, not for enjoyment. As ectothermic animals, they depend on external heat sources to reach the specific temperature levels necessary for their physiological functions, such as digestion, metabolism, and overall activity. When basking, a chameleon seeks out warm, sun-exposed areas to absorb...
When female chameleons become receptive, they allow males to approach. The male aligns his cloaca with that of the female and performs copulation. During this process, the male's hemipenes become engorged with lymph, allowing them to enter the female's cloaca. The male then exhibits rhythmic movements at the base of his tail, directing sperm from...
Photos by Asc Trittau
After successful mating, the females of chameleons start gaining weight and prepare for egg deposition...
A specific overview of reported predation on madagascan chameleons provides Jenkins & al. (2009). This paper reviews the diet of chameleon predators in Madagascar, highlighting the role of birds and snakes as primary predators. Negro & Negro (2025) provide a comprehensive list of predators, mentioning also Fossas (Cryptoprocta ferox), Lemurs...
Among all chameleons in the world, only the genus Trioceros contains several species that exhibit morphological features what are known as true horns. These horns are characterized by their placement on the front part of the head, just in front of the eyes and on the snout. They consist of a needle/like bony base and are covered by...
This article presents the care and rehabilitation of a female Yellow-Crested Jackson's chameleon, Trioceros jacksonii xantholophus, affectionately named Twigs, who was recently imported from Kenya. Upon her arrival, Twigs displayed signs of distress and poor health, evident in initial photographs documenting her condition.
The majestic Calumma parsonii, the largest and probably most striking chameleons in the world, holds a unique place in scientific history. Native to the forests of Madagascar, this chameleon's name reflects a rich tapestry of historical contributions from both the Irish naturalist James Parsons and the renowned French zoologist Georges Cuvier. The...
The colors of Ankaramibe Panther Chameleons in mating mood are simply stunning
Here are some famous quotes about chameleons:
With the participation of the creative project "Elephant Dreams" The story of an indomitable Chameleon who decided to meet his friends. The entire production is centered around whimsical fabric designs and imagination. Before our eyes, ordinary materials transform into whimsical animals. The red turtle turns out to be not so slow, the green...
Chameleons are fascinating reptiles known for their unique feeding techniques. They primarily rely on their extraordinary long, sticky tongues to capture prey. These tongues can extend rapidly to catch insects and other small animals, making up a significant portion of their diet. The chameleon's eyes play a crucial role in hunting, as they can...
1640 / 1660 (Milieu du XVIIe siècle)
Stehender Mann mit Chamäleon und Vögeln
Much of the charm of the Osteographia lies with the vignettes of the animal skeletons, which are frequently depicted in lifelike poses. A cat with an arched back is startled by a dog; a young, antlered deer stops suddenly and turns to the viewer; a crane picks up a fish with its beak, yielding the conceit of a...
In the collection of the Rijksmuseum is an early-modern album of prints from the library of (and likely compiled by) a man named Jean de Poligny, whose stony-faced portrait is pasted toward the end of the volume, but about whom nothing else appears to be known. Among the highlights of the album — a mixed bag of Ortelius maps, an...
Max Brückner (1860–1934) was a German geometer, known for his collection of stellated and uniform polyhedra, which he documented in his 1900 book Vielecke und Vielflache: Theorie und Geschichte (Polygons and Polyhedra: Theory and History). Included in the influential study was a compound of three octahedra, made famous by M. C. Escher's 1948 print ...
