What Lizards Can Change Color?

Several species of lizards can change their color the transformation being triggered due to the surroundings and the weather as a means of camouflage as well as a high stress response.

The most common species of lizard that is well known for its ability to change color is the chameleon belonging to the family Chamaeleonidae; the change in color is brought about by way of special cells known as chromatophores which contain different colored pigments that reflect incident light in unique ways when triggered as a result of various hormones.

The anole found mainly in North America is another lizard of the family Polychrotidae which is known to change its hues; anoles commonly are green colored though they can transform themselves in to brown colored creatures. Different kinds of iguanas and monitor lizards also can change their body color albeit to a small extent; for example some lizards of the monitor family can change the color of their tail to blend in the surroundings while moving about to escape predators.

Add Comment

Report