From Forest Green to Fiery Maroon: The Chromatic Drama of Furcifer oustaleti Females

Female Furcifer oustaleti exhibit striking variability in coloration that reflects both their physiological state and reproductive condition. In normal circumstances, females are typically a uniform green, sometimes accented with darker mottled patterns. This cryptic coloration helps them blend into foliage and avoid detection. However, individuals may also appear in shades ranging from brownish to nearly black, often highlighted with contrasting white markings along the body. When gravid, their appearance changes dramatically: the base color shifts to vivid shades of red, maroon, or burgundy, sometimes accompanied by striking blue markings. These gravid colors serve as a visual signal to males, discouraging further courtship and indicating reproductive status. The dynamic palette of F. oustaleti females shows the adaptive significance of color change in chameleons, functioning both as camouflage and as communication within their ecological and social environment.