How Do Chameleons Change Colors?
The way in which chameleons change colors is similar to how mixing different colors of paint creates new colors. In general, chameleons change colors by using chromatophores and melanin. Chromatophores are cells that contain pigment, or color; these cells have two layers, with the top layer containing red or yellow pigment and the bottom layer containing blue or white pigment. Melanin, on the other hand, is essentially a substance that determines the darkness of skin color, with the presence of more melanin causing darker skin. When the autonomic nervous system (ANS), a part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions of the body, tells the cells to expand or shrink, the different colors mix together much like paint and change a chameleon’s skin color.
Although chameleons have the ability to change colors, some species have limits on the range of colors that they can display. The same goes for the range of patterns that they can display as well. In general, most chameleons are able to change among the colors green, black and brown. Some chameleons can change into an array of other colors as well, with the most vibrant color changes usually appearing in males when they are looking and ready to mate.
While the purpose of some patterns is to help chameleons blend in with their surroundings, it is a very common misconception that chameleons change colors to camouflage. This misconception is understandable, since chameleons can change colors and very much resemble their surroundings. For example, a chameleon with certain patterns and colors can blend in very well with a branch. In actuality though, chameleons change colors in reaction to such environmental factors as light and temperature, as well as in reaction to their emotions or moods. The ability to change colors enables chameleons to adapt to their surroundings and become more comfortable and also helps them communicate with each other.
Chameleons change colors to reflect or absorb light and temperature. When lying under the hot sun, for example, chameleons can change into a lighter color to reflect the brightness of the sun. As for temperature, when it is cold out, chameleons can become darker in color so they might absorb as much heat as possible. In general though, most of the time color changes occur because of changes in mood. As such, when chameleons change colors, they might be doing so because they are expressing their emotions, such as anger or fear.
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![Chameleons change color in reaction to environmental changes and emotional stress.]()
By: Sebastian DudaChameleons change color in reaction to environmental changes and emotional stress.
Discussion Comments
I've read that chameleons actually use colors to communicate with one another. They can't communicate like us obviously and they don't even have ears. But they can create vibrations and they can change their colors to give messages to those in their surroundings.
For example, it's not a good idea to get close to a yellow chameleon because it means that he is not very happy at the moment. Black is even worse and indicates aggression, the chameleon is feeling threatened. Green means that the chameleon is relaxed and happy.
Chameleons are cold blooded. They rely on heat in their environment to adjust their body temperature. So it makes a lot of sense why a chameleon would take on a darker color when cold to increase body temperature. I knew that the heat absorbed by chameleons during the day are enough to sustain them at night. But I didn't know how they changed their color to help them do that. That's cool.
I've always found chameleons very intriguing for their ability to change their color. But I didn't know the details of this process and the reason why they change their colors.
I think most of us have learned about chameleons from nature and animal programs. And they tend to show the very colorful tropical chameleons because they are most interesting. But this has created he assumption that all chameleons have this color range and that they change color to camouflage themselves. I'm glad that these misconceptions have been cleared up in this article.
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