This little guy is Brookesia micra and is a species of chameleons from the islet of Nosy Hara in Antsiranana, Madagascar. As of 14 February 2012, it is the smallest known chameleon and among the smallest reptiles. In length, adult Brookesia micra can grow up to 29 mm (1.1 in).
Madagascar is home to about half the world's 150 or so species of chameleons, including both subfamilies, typical chameleons (Chamaeleoninae) and dwarf chameleons (Brookesiinae).
Some chameleon species are able to change their skin colouration. Different chameleon species are able to vary their colouration and pattern through combinations of pink, blue, red, orange, green, black, brown, light blue, yellow, turquoise, and purple. Chameleon skin has a superficial layer which contains pigments, and under the layer are cells with guanine crystals. Chameleons change colour by changing the space between the guanine crystals, which changes the wavelength of light reflected off the crystals which changes the colour of the skin.
This little guys range of color are limited to darker or lighter shade of brown since they live in the leaf litter on the ground other color changes could give their location away to hungry predators.
montrealblues on September 28th, 2019 at 23:01 UTC »
I googled it and the cuteness just goes on and on. So much joy.
Indetermination on September 29th, 2019 at 00:34 UTC »
If i accidentally squashed that thing I'd feel way worse than if i killed a bug.
daddybara on September 29th, 2019 at 01:44 UTC »
Hello Everyone!
This little guy is Brookesia micra and is a species of chameleons from the islet of Nosy Hara in Antsiranana, Madagascar. As of 14 February 2012, it is the smallest known chameleon and among the smallest reptiles. In length, adult Brookesia micra can grow up to 29 mm (1.1 in).
Madagascar is home to about half the world's 150 or so species of chameleons, including both subfamilies, typical chameleons (Chamaeleoninae) and dwarf chameleons (Brookesiinae).
Some chameleon species are able to change their skin colouration. Different chameleon species are able to vary their colouration and pattern through combinations of pink, blue, red, orange, green, black, brown, light blue, yellow, turquoise, and purple. Chameleon skin has a superficial layer which contains pigments, and under the layer are cells with guanine crystals. Chameleons change colour by changing the space between the guanine crystals, which changes the wavelength of light reflected off the crystals which changes the colour of the skin.
This little guys range of color are limited to darker or lighter shade of brown since they live in the leaf litter on the ground other color changes could give their location away to hungry predators.