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How a Chameleon Changes Color

How a Chameleon Changes Color

January 12, 20134894Views1Comment

Out of all the interesting creatures that share our planet, one of the most incredible is the chameleon. These little lizards have rounded bodies, huge eyes and long tongues, which they use to catch insects. In addition to their characteristic appearance, one of the most fascinating things about them is how a chameleon changes color. This neat trick is the result of specialized cells in their skin.

A chameleon’s skin is made up of cells called chromatophores. These are special cells which contain pigments, or colors, that aid in color change. Each layer of the skin contains a different sub-class of chromatophores.

The first layer of skin is translucent and allows the colors underneath to shine through. The second layer contains red and yellow chromatophores. The red chromatophores are known as erythrophores and the yellow are called xanthophores. The next layer of skin contains guanophores, or blue cells, and iridophores, which are white.

Chameleon on branch
Photo from Sebastian Herrmann/Unsplash

The final layer of skin is made up of melanophores, which contain a brown coloration. Melanophores also dictate how much light is reflected by the skin. This is just the beginning of how a chameleon changes color!

The pigments in each cell are locked in one specific area of the cell, called a vesicle, so no colors will show unless a signal has been given to the cells to release the colors. All of the chromatophores in a chameleon’s skin are connected to the nervous system. When the lizard’s brain perceives a reason to change color, the brain sends out a signal to the cells. The cells that have been signaled then release their pigment, making the chameleon take on a different color.

The overlapping layers of cells in the skin of the lizard allow for many interesting color combinations. If the blue and red cells are activated, the creature might take on a purple hue. If the melanophores are activated, a brown or even black color change may occur. That explains how a chameleon changes color, but what about why?

Chameleons change color for a number of reasons. If the lizard feels threatened, it may change color in order to blend in with its surroundings. Desert species often change color in order to reflect heat. During mating season, males may take on vibrant hues in order to attract a mate. These lizards may also take on a bright, threatening color to scare away predators. Or, as this advertisement would like to suggest, a color change might simply be a fashion choice!

Related articles: The Clever Chameleon Revealed or 5 Cool Examples of Insect Mimicry

Featured Image from Laura Hayek/Unsplash