Stress Coloration in Furcifer petteri

Endemic to Montagne d'Ambre in northern Madagascar, Furcifer petteri is a striking chameleon whose normal coloration in both sexes is a uniform, vivid green. This calm hue dominates the forest canopy, blending the species seamlessly into its environment. Yet when disturbed or excited, the transformation is immediate and dramatic: the smooth green dissolves into a bold, highly contrasting stress pattern. Dark markings spread across the body, breaking the uniformity and creating a mosaic of intensity that signals agitation. This rapid shift is not only a defensive display but also a vivid reminder of the species' sensitivity and adaptability in its montane habitat.