Chameleons are well known for their ability to change colour. This is done by constricting and dilating pigment cells known as chromatophores, the same phenomenon is seen in certain fish species. Chameleons change colour for various reasons, the most obvious being camouflage. However it may also be in response to temperature and exposure to the sun, a perceived threat or a mate.
Chameleons have eyes that are capable of moving independently in different directions, giving them close to 360 degrees field of vision.
The Common Flap-Neck Chameleon, Chamaeleo dilepis dilepis pictured below, feeds mainly on winged insects. Prey is captured using the long tongue, which may be twice the total body length of the animal. The tongue has a suction cup and very sticky mucus covering. This chameleon occurs throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa and as a result there are a number of subspecies.
It is one of only two chameleon species found in Limpopo, the other being the Transvaal Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion transvaalense.
No comments:
Post a Comment