What Does A Chameleon Changing Color Mean? And How Do They Do It?

A chameleon's change in body hue has always fascinated us, including those in the scientific world.

At first, it seems nothing less than a miracle. However, years of research has confirmed that a chameleon's ability to change its skin tone is more of a science.

A chameleon changing its color can mean different things. Many people believe blending into the environment and camouflaging is the main reason, however it is not.

A chameleon changing its color means a change in mood. In the wild, chameleons have a long list of predators lurking around. Being tiny and fragile, these lizards have fewer means to defend themselves, so blending in by changing their color is a defense tactic.

The color changes has something to do with structural changes to the crystal cells inside the body. Chameleons do not actually change colors but they change the structure of these skin cells. Learn more about these fascinating facts by reading this article!

Panther chameleons are one of the most common species found mainly in Madagascar. If you're going to own one, why not consider reading chameleon facts and chameleon diet?

Why do chameleons change their color?

There are many videos that show just how easily chameleons change their color and seemingly fade into the background. It's sure to stir up questions that demand an answer to this phenomenon.

One of the questions you may ask is why do chameleons change color in the first place? There are multiple reasons for this, so let's explore them one by one.

Chameleons do not change colors to simply camouflage themselves. This is because their bodies are already well-equipped to blend in with the surroundings.

There are more than 160 species of chameleons found in the world, and the majority of them live in trees and shrubs. Their natural color, which is greenish-brown, allows them to blend into their habitat.

If required, these reptiles change their coloration and pattern by combining pink, blue, red, turquoise, and other colors. Due to this, they stay away from their predator's radar. Ask any wildlife photographer and they will tell you that it is incredibly hard to spot a chameleon out in nature.

Moreover, they run fast just like their lizard cousins (both belong to the Chamaeleonidae family), clocking speeds of 21 mph (33.7 kph). They use these abilities to protect themselves from predators.

The main reason why chameleons change their color is they want to be seen, not because they want to hide. This is quite the opposite of camouflage. It is a fact that a chameleon is a territorial animal.

Male chameleons mark their respective territories and keep an eye on other males coming into their area. When they do come face to face, chameleons are prompted to change their skin colors.

They will get a bit lighter in color. If you happen to be around, you will see them turning yellowish, reddish, or any other bright color. In nature, a bright and vibrant color usually signifies danger.

This bright color makes them more visible in the wild. The other chameleon takes note.

Depending on the size and other factors, it will either retreat or get into a fight for territory. Chameleons will fight ferociously to defend territory. When one of the chameleons is defeated or is about to give up, its body will darken in color and then it will run away.

Another reason why all species of chameleons change color is to attract mates. If that is the case, they will turn into light-colored lizards.

The colors seen are vibrant ones such as red, blue, or turquoise, depending on the species. The Meller's chameleon is seen to flash red when the mating season arrives. It is one of the largest chameleon species that is not native to Madagascar.

To show consent, female Meller's chameleons will turn yellow with a cream-black pattern. Similarly, a male panther chameleon will display a skin hue that is a mix of blue, orange, yellow, green, and white. Female chameleons don't change hues as significantly as males.

Females and younger chameleons are dull-colored. When females are not available for mating, they'll turn dark brown, black, or green and stay camouflaged.

There is another reason why chameleons change color and it has to do with their well-being and body temperature regulation. The color of a chameleon's skin can reflect its health status.

In a fully-healthy state, most chameleons will be a green-blue color or the typical hue that allows them to blend into the habitat. When it is under some kind of stress, it will turn darker.

The change in color of their skin also allows them to regulate body temperature. Chameleons are cold-blooded animals or ectotherms. They cannot produce heat of their own so they rely on an outside source.

When the climate changes and becomes cold, chameleons change colors to a darker tone. Since dark colors tend to absorb more heat, this keeps these reptiles warm.

When the climate gets hot, they change their skin hue back to a light tone to reflect more heat. Although there is not much evidence to suggest that they bask in the sun to absorb heat.

What causes chameleons to change color?

The color changes in chameleons is amazing and a sight to behold. However, people spend a lot of time wondering how exactly does a chameleon go from green to blue to yellow and back to green. After years of research and study, scientists finally have an answer.

Chameleons do not change colors to camouflage. They change colors to reflect their moods and to communicate.

The reason for the change in skin tone is the specialized skin cells called iridophores. These are cells found underneath the chameleon's skin that reflect light.

To better understand about these skin cells, researchers studied juvenile panther chameleons, which came from Madagascar. They found that these chameleons had two thick layers of iridophore cells that are superposed. The cells contained crystals that varied in size and shape.

When the chameleon was in a relaxed state, the crystals in the iridophore cells were closer to one another. Such an arrangement reflects light of short wavelengths from the chameleon's skin.

In the relaxed state, this means a chameleon's skin will be blue. However, aren't chameleons green in their relaxed state?

Yes, this is because their skin contains natural yellow pigments which when combined with the blue color reflects green. The green hue allows them to blend in with the background.

When chameleons are in an excited state, the crystals drift apart and they reflect light of longer wavelengths like yellow and orange. All of these things happen underneath the skin. The reason the outside is able to witness this amazing phenomenon is because the outermost layer of reptile's skin is transparent, meaning it allows light to pass through.

Iridophore cells are connected to the nervous system. This why when male chameleons see females or male rivals, they excited and the nervous system triggers a change in colors.

Chameleons do not change color at will but under specific circumstances. This is true for all species of chameleons.

However, chameleons change color in a different way to how octopuses or squids change color. In the case of an octopus (and other members of the cephalopods species), it has specialized skin cells called chromatophores.

At the center of each chromatophore, there is a highly-stretchable sac known as cytoelastic sacculus. This sac is filled with pigments of different colors, which can be red, blue, black, or brown. When the muscles surrounding the cells tightens, this stretches the sac.

Consequently, the pigments become more visible. This is how octopuses and cephalopods change colors.

What color do chameleons turn when they are dying?

In the wild, chameleons have an average lifespan of two to three years. Although there are species that live longer. When kept as pets, their lifespan increases to 5-10 years. Throughout their lifetime, these lizards keep changing colors. But can dying chameleons change color?

When chameleons pass away, they reflect their true skin color, which is blueish green. As time passes, it will turn very brown or dark black.

This is true for even vibrant-colored chameleons with yellow, pink, or white hues. The reasoning behind this is they are no longer able to switch to an excited state. The crystals in the iridophore cells do not drift apart naturally like they normally would.

You will also not see the same vibrant colors in chameleons kept as pets when they get ill. This is true for both male and female chameleons. At times, you may find discrepancies when chameleons die with light colored skin.

However, bear in mind this is rare. An average chameleon, whether in the wild or in captivity, will turn darker in color when it dies.

What color do chameleons turn when angry?

Chameleons may look tiny and safe, but there are times when they get angry and will attack. You'll hear a hissing sound when you are near an angry chameleon. However, this animal also hisses when it is scared or under stress. Is there any change in coloration when chameleons switch mood and get angry?

When chameleons get angry, they are in an excited state. They will reflect light that is brighter and more vibrant like yellow. These colors allow them to stand out against their surroundings and let those around them know that they are angry.

These vibrant colors, along with the hissing sound, means they are not okay with something. A male chameleon will be brighter than a female chameleon. When they return to a relaxed state, they become darker again.

Chameleons only get angry when they see a fellow chameleon. They are territorial creatures and don't like being with other members of their own species, except when the chameleon is of the opposite sex.

Even when kept as pets, you should not introduce your chameleon to another lizard. In fact, two chameleons should never be kept in the same room.

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