Male Chameleons Fighting Prowess Tied to Colour Changing Abilities

Chameleons Communicate with Complex Color Changes

This study examines how chameleons use rapid color changes as a form of communication during contests. Researchers found that different body regions convey distinct signals, influencing aggressive interactions and dominance displays.

Key Findings:

• Brighter stripe coloration increases the likelihood of approaching an opponent.

• Head coloration intensity predicts contest outcomes, with faster color shifts linked to victory.

• Color change speed, not just maximum brightness, plays a critical role in signaling motivation and fighting ability.

This research provides new insights into chameleon social signalling, showing that colour dynamics evolve for competitive interactions rather than camouflage alone.

Ligon, R. A., & McGraw, K. J. (2013). Chameleons communicate with complex colour changes during contests: different body regions convey different information. Biology Letters, 9(6), 20130892. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2013.0892