Bearded leaf chameleon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bearded leaf chameleon |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Rieppeleon
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| Species: |
brevicaudatus
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| Synonyms | |
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Chamaeleon (Brookesia) brevicaudatus Matschie, 1892 |
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The bearded leaf chameleon (scientific name: Rieppeleon brevicaudatus) is a small and fascinating chameleon. It's also known as the bearded pygmy chameleon. These unique reptiles come from the eastern Usambara and Uluguru Mountains. You can find them in northeastern Tanzania and Kenya.
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What Makes This Chameleon Special?
This chameleon is easy to spot because of its "beard." This beard is made of a few raised scales right below its mouth. It's what gives it the "bearded" part of its name!
How Big Are They?
Bearded leaf chameleons are quite small. When fully grown, they are only about 3 inches (8 cm) long. That's about the length of a credit card!
What Colors Are They?
Compared to some other chameleons, their usual colors are a bit plain. They are often brown or tan. But don't let that fool you! They are very good at changing their color. They can become yellow, green, orange, black, or even darker brown.
Why Do They Change Color?
Many people think chameleons change color to hide. While they can blend in, their main reason for changing color is different. They use their skin to show how they feel. They might change color to attract a mate or to show they are stressed. When they are stressed, they often become darker.
How Do They Hide?
Even though color change isn't their main camouflage, they have another cool trick. They can flatten their bodies from side to side. Then, they make a stripe appear down their side. This makes them look like a dead leaf! They often do this when they are sleeping out in the open. It helps them stay safe from predators.
Amazing Eyes and Tongue
Like all chameleons, the bearded leaf chameleon has amazing eyes. Each eye can move all by itself! This means one eye can look forward while the other looks backward. This helps them spot insects to eat. They also have a super long tongue. It can be longer than their whole body! They shoot it out very fast to catch their prey.
Telling Boys and Girls Apart
It's possible to tell the difference between male and female bearded leaf chameleons. Males usually have a longer tail. They also have a more noticeable crest (a ridge) on their back. Males tend to have a slimmer body shape. They also often show more patterns on their skin.
