How many colors can a chameleon change?

The chameleon is a very peculiar reptile with various characteristics and behaviors suitable for arboreal life. although the basic color of the skin is green, it can turn into dark green, light green, purple, blue, brown and so on at any time. We can even change into colorful patterns. Let's take a look at how many colors chameleons can change.

How many colors can a chameleon change?

Chameleons can theoretically change into all colors. The chameleon's color changes according to the environment, such as the jungle area will turn green, the river bank will turn stone gray, the desert will be yellowish brown, and so on. The discoloration mechanism of chameleon is that the vegetative nervous system controls the cells containing pigment granules (melanocytes), diffuses or concentrates the pigments in the cells, and the color change is determined by environmental factors, such as light, temperature and mood (shock, victory and defeat).

Why does the chameleon change color?

The chameleon skin has three layers of pigment cells, the deepest layer is composed of melanocytes, in which the melanin carried by the cells can blend with the upper layer of cells, and the middle layer is composed of guanine cells, which mainly regulate dark blue pigment. the outermost cells are mainly yellow pigment and red pigment, pigment cells under the stimulation of the nerve will make the pigment blend and transform between the layers, realizing a variety of changes in the color of the chameleon body.

What's the use of chameleon discoloration?

The color change of the chameleon is similar to the protective color and warning color of other creatures, and the skin color changes with the change of background, temperature and mood. The male chameleon will change the dark protective color into a bright color to warn other chameleons to leave their territory, and some chameleons will turn calm green into red to intimidate the enemy in order to protect themselves from attack and survive.