Although in many respects chameleon behavior resembles that of other lizards, there are also unusual characteristics associated with their unique morphology (Chapter 2). Chameleons are perhaps most famous for their ability to change color, a characteristic that has seen the term chameleon adopted in popular language to mean someone changeable or who unconsciously mimics others. Color and color change are integral to all aspects of chameleon behavior, including social, thermoregulatory, antipredator and foraging behavior. Consequently, this chapter focuses on both coloration and behavior in chameleons and will outline the modes of communication in chameleons, highlighting the importance of vision to all aspects of chameleon behavior. Chameleon color change, including the mechanism, triggers, and general function and evolution of color change are covered, as well as a detailed review of coloration and social behavior associated with reproduction. Finally, this chapter synthesizes knowledge of antipredator behavior in chameleons, including camouflage and escape behaviors. One aspect of social behavior that is of central importance for many taxa is parental care and parent–offspring interactions more generally; however, there is no evidence of direct parental care in chameleons. In terms of indirect parental care, the placement of off spring.
at parturition could conceivably influence their subsequent survival in live-bearing species.
Another form of parent–offspring interaction is cannibalism, which is relatively common in
Chamaeleo chamaeleon, and may account for differences in habitat preferences of juveniles
and adults (Keren-Rotem et al., 2006). However, many other factors, such as body size, diet,
thermal requirements, and predation risk could also account for age-specific habitat differences, which appear to be quite common in chameleons. Cannibalism may be relatively
common, particularly among larger species. Apart from potential cannibalism, parent–
offspring interactions are minimal or entirely absent, particularly for egg-laying species.