Chameleons are a group of astonishing lizards that are are most well known for their ability to change color, within a few seconds. Young chameleons are usually a dull gray/brown color and can change shades a bit, but at around 5 months of age the adult color and the ability to change colors develops and a range of colors including green, blue green, turquoise and black can be seen. Changing colors provides camouflage, temperature regulation and a means of communicating with other chameleons. Colors change in response to excitement, stress, temperature, lighting conditions, the presence of another chameleon, and other influences. Generally, a dark brown to black chameleon is stressed, with the brighter colors reflecting a happier mood. Also, different colors can be seen due to color mutations and other color phases.
They are often referred to as "Old World" or "True" chameleons in order to distinguish them from other lizards with the same ability. such as the anoles, or "American chameleons", which can often be found in the southern United States. True chameleons have prehensile tails much like those found in monkeys. In addition to these qualities, chameleons also have another trick up their sleeves, they can see in two different directions at the same time using two eyes that move independently from one another. Another feature that make chameleons unique include their tongue, which is used to catch prey. The tongue can be up to 1.5 times the length of the body, allowing chameleons to effectively catch insects from a distance.
Most chameleon species are found on the African country of Madagascar, an island off of the Eastern coast of Africa. Chameleons can also be found in other parts of Africa, Europe, and India. They usually live in trees, and their feet have three toes pointing one way and two the other, which gives them a good grip. Many species also have a prehensile tail, meaning it is also used to grip branches. They have globular eyes which rotate like turrets and move independently, allowing a chameleon to scan a wide radius around them for both hunting and protection. They are largely insectivorous, although some species eat some vegetation and some small invertebrates such as slugs.