Living Rainbows: The Role of Male Display in Population Divergence of Furcifer pardalis

Male Furcifer pardalis, or panther chameleons, are visual marvels, flaunting vivid arrays of color: fiery reds, luminous blues, deep greens, and citrus oranges, often in dazzling, territorial displays. These chromatic signatures are not merely ornamental; they function as dynamic signals of genetic identity and mating fitness. Across Madagascar's varied microhabitats, distinct color morphs have emerged and solidified, acting as visual barriers to interbreeding. Females often show preference for males of their native hue, reinforcing reproductive isolation. Thus, coloration becomes both spectacle and speciation engine, where evolution paints with bold strokes to sculpt diversity.