The Changing Colors of Chameleons

Many of us believe that chameleons change their color to blend in with their surroundings as a type of camouflage, but that's mostly a myth.

While some types of chameleons can indeed reach a better resemblance to their environments, that's not the primary reason why these fascinating reptiles switch colors.

Instead, chameleons primarily change color to regulate their temperatures or to communicate.

Light colors reflect heat while dark colors absorb it, so a chameleon might turn a darker color on a cold day to warm up.

In terms of communication, they can broadcast their mood, assert dominance, or displaying fitness and health to a potential mate through dynamic color changes.

In other words, a chameleon's colors are more about social signaling and temperature regulation than they are about hiding from predators..