Chameleons are tree-dwelling lizards native to the Old World (Africa, Madagascar, southern Europe, and southern Asia). Their feet and tails are specialized to grasp tree branches, and they walk slowly, swaying like a leaf in the wind. They have large, cone-shaped eyes that rotate independently, and very long tongues that they extend rapidly to catch prey. Many species can change their skin color and pattern. Males are usually more brightly colored than females, and both sexes often have casques (helmet-like ridges) on top of their heads. Six chameleon species have been found in the wild in Florida, and two are known to be breeding.

The Oustalet’s chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti), native to Madagascar, is one of the world’s largest species. Males can grow to more than 24 incehs long and are tan with brown and black stripes. The smaller females are various shades of green with white dots along their sides. A ridge of triangular spines extends down the center of the back.

The veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is native to the Arabian Peninsula. It has a large head casque and reaches lengths of 12 to 24 inches. Adult males are bright green with bold bands of yellow mixed with blue, orange, or black. Females are green with white, orange, or yellow mottling. Hatchlings are pastel green.