Mysore, India

Sun bathing…

This reptile is in its happy time just because it sees sun after many days of heavy rain… it did not even bother my proximity during this snap…

A morning capture from my hometown neighborhood…

I request you to enlarge this snap and see the beauty of its scales pattern…

Little about Chameleon
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It is believed that there is only one species of chameleons found in the Indian subcontinent, scientifically known as Chamaeleo zeylanicus.

All the chameleons have the amazing ability to change their color whenever they are subject to changes in stimuli, like a change in light, temperature or emotion. For example, when angered, they are likely to become darker in color.

The body of the chameleon lizard is covered with granular scales. A grownup chameleon measures up to 37 cm in total length. It’s feet is split into two main fingers, each of them attached with sharp claws that help in climbing trees. The upper and lower eyelids are joined and there is a small pinhole through which the pupil can be seen.

Another interesting feature of chameleon is that it can focus each of the two eyes in different direction and observe two different objects simultaneously.

It has an extremely long tongue, which at times may exceed its body length also. The tongue is sticky at the end, which helps the reptile in catching prey. The moment the tongue of a chameleon hits a prey, it forms a small suction cup and draws the prey straight into its mouth.

Chameleons do not have ears and vomeronasal organ. The foot structure, eyes and tongue of all chameleons are same.

The term 'chameleon' is a combination of two Greek words, 'Chamai', meaning 'on the ground/earth' and Leon, meaning 'lion'. Thus, 'chameleon' means 'earth lion'.