It's Chameleon Week (we've declared it) and to kick off this week of fun filled information all about Chameleons, we're launching a new series called ReptiMyths! We're going to be tackling all of those super common -- and super wrong -- myths you hear about reptiles to set the record straight. Let's get rolling!

Chameleons. The very name conjures images of mystical creatures, masters of disguise, seamlessly blending into their leafy habitats. But here's the thing, one of the most enduring and captivating beliefs about these fascinating reptiles is their supposed ability to change color to perfectly match their surroundings, becoming invisible against a green leaf or a brown branch. It's a romantic notion, but it's completely false! Let's peel back the layers of this popular myth and delve into the fascinating truth behind a chameleon's vibrant transformations.

The Myth

The idea that chameleons change color primarily for camouflage is deeply ingrained in popular culture. We see it in cartoons (cough cough, Tangled), nature documentaries often allude to it, and it's a common answer to the question, "Why do chameleons change color?" This perception stems from the observable fact that chameleons do often exhibit colors that blend in with their environment. A Veiled Chameleon perched on a green leaf certainly looks like it's trying to disappear. Have you seen a photo of a Panther Chameleon in its natural habitat? Even with all of the dazzling colors, it blends in seamlessly!

The Truth

The reality of chameleon color change lies in specialized cells called chromatophores. These pigment-containing cells are located in layers beneath the chameleon's outer skin. Different types of chromatophores contain different pigments, such as black, brown, red, yellow, and blue.

Chameleons don't change color by simply producing more or less of a particular pigment. Instead, they control the size and reflectivity of these chromatophores. When the cells expand or contract, the pigments within them become more or less visible, leading to shifts in the chameleon's overall coloration. Familiar with geckos? It's similar to the process geckos use to "fire up" or "fire down"!

So, if it's not camouflage, then why do they change color?

The primary drivers behind a chameleon's color changes are:

• Communication: Color plays a vital role in social signaling. Chameleons use bright colors to attract mates and display aggression towards rivals. A male chameleon might flash vibrant hues to court a female or intensify its colors to intimidate another male during a territorial dispute.
• Temperature Regulation: Color can also help chameleons regulate their body temperature. Darker colors absorb more heat, while lighter colors reflect it. On a cool morning, a chameleon might darken its skin to soak up the sun's warmth, and then lighten up during the heat of the day to stay cool.
• Mood and Health: A chameleon's color can also reflect its mood or health status. Stress, fear, or illness can sometimes lead to changes in coloration.

The myth of the chameleon as a perfect camouflage artist is a captivating one, but the truth behind their color-changing abilities is even more fascinating. These remarkable reptiles utilize their chromatophores for a complex interplay of communication, thermoregulation, and sometimes, as a secondary benefit but mostly by accident, camouflage. By understanding the true reasons behind their vibrant transformations, we gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible adaptations of these truly unique creatures. So, the next time you see a chameleon change color, remember that there's a whole lot more going on than just trying to disappear!

Now that's what we call a ReptiMyth BUSTED!