How, exactly, does a chameleon change its color to match its environment?

Question

Does the critter itself see "in color"? Is it simply a chemical change in the skin? Can it change color in response to fear? How does it do it? How rapidly can it change color? I've read somewhere that when a chameleon was put on a piece of wallpaper, it changed its skin color to that of the wallpaper!

Answer 1

Chameleons have specialized cells, collectively called chromatophores, that lie in layers under their transparent outer skin. The cells in the upper layer, called xanthophores and erythrophores, contain yellow and red pigments respectively. Below these is another layer of cells called iridophores (or guanophores), and they contain the colorless crystalline substance guanine. These reflect amongst others the blue part of incident light. If the upper layer of chromatophores appear mainly yellow, the reflected light becomes green (blue plus yellow). A layer of dark melanin containing melanophores is situated even deeper under the reflective iridophores. The melanophores influence the 'lightness' of the reflected light. All these different pigment cells can rapidly relocate their pigments, thereby influencing the color of the chameleon.

Contrary to popular belief, this change of color is not purely an adaptation to the surroundings[citation needed] (although the surroundings play a large part) but also an expression of the physical and physiological condition of the lizard. The skin color is changed under influence of mood, light, and temperature. The skin color also plays an important part in communication and rivalry fights.

Answer 2

Chameleons have specialized cells, collectively called chromatophores, that lie in layers under their transparent outer skin. The cells in the upper layer, called xanthophores and erythrophores, contain yellow and red pigments respectively. Below these is another layer of cells called iridophores (or guanophores), and they contain the colorless crystalline substance guanine. These reflect amongst others the blue part of incident light. If the upper layer of chromatophores appear mainly yellow, the reflected light becomes green (blue plus yellow). A layer of dark melanin containing melanophores is situated even deeper under the reflective iridophores. The melanophores influence the 'lightness' of the reflected light. All these different pigment cells can rapidly relocate their pigments, thereby influencing the color of the chameleon.

Answer 3

There are lots of reasons chameleons change colors. They can't turn polka-dotted, bright orange or even plaid, to fit into their surroundings. Light, temperature, mood and health are all reasons these lizards change colors. Lights reflect off of them, changing their color. A chameleon will also make itself flat and dark so it can absorb more heat. During the mating process, when it feels threatened and when it's protecting its territory, a chameleon will also change colors. A sick chameleon will stay pale because they don't have the energy to change color.

Most chameleons change between green, brown and gray - their surroundings are usually the same colors. Each chameleon species has its own color range. They can't just turn any color. Chameleons can change their color because of a very complex cell system. Beneath it's transparent skin are several cell layers which contain pigments. We also have pigments which cause our skin to darken in the sun. By opening and closing cells called melanophores, chameleons change their skin color. The cells direct sun to specific pigments which reflects the light back in different colors.

Answer 4

chamelon has colour pigments under the abdomen tht when circilated give the distinct coloration . it uses the camouflage to hunt down insects Same as the case with octopus but it is more efficient and can change its skin texture too.