Some time ago we looked at chameleons in general, and now we will look at some individually. There are more than 100 varieties of these lizards in the warm ocean-water areas of the world. They range in size from three-inches to nearly two-feet long. All of them look fierce but are actually harmless, except to the insects and bugs that become their food.
Some chameleons have long, stilt-like legs, lifting their bodies quite high; most have short legs with strong claws, helping them climb trees and rocks. Their tails are as long as the rest of their bodies. Their tongues can, in a split second, stretch out even farther than the length of their bodies to snatch an insect. Their eyes are most unusual - each moves independently of the other, so that they may at the same time look ahead with one and behind with the other. They can also see what’s going on at both sides without turning their heads.
But the most amazing thing about chameleons is the beautiful blending of a wide variety of colors and the ability the Creator has given them to change these colors in a few moments to match their surroundings if they need to hide from an enemy.
One of the most striking in color is the female panther of Madagascar. To attract a mate she takes on a lovely blend of bright red with areas of deep yellow, green and white. The base of her throat is decorated with white-tipped red spear heads, which are actually quite soft and harmless.
Another, the yemeness of Saudi Arabia, will often dress himself in an amazing combination of light and dark green, with areas of light yellow and deep orange. To us this looks frightening, but to another yemeness it is very attractive.
One that looks really vicious is named Parson’s and lives in the jungles of an island in the Indian Ocean. It is commonly a mixture of pale green and bright blue on its lower parts, with the upper section tan, spotted with green, brown and white. From the top of its back, coal-black stripes reach clear around its body. Its jaws when closed look very much like a corncob with two rows of big kernels of yellow corn.
Another, named Jackson’s, in the highlands of Africa, is most odd-looking. One unusual feature is that each jaw has a pink carrot-shaped horn -one a little above the other - sticking straight out, with sharp points looking like vicious weapons, but which are only used to pick up food.
The above Bible verse assures us chameleons are one more interesting display of God’s creation over which He shows loving care. And His invitation to each of us is to “[cast] all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:77Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7). Have you accepted that wonderful invitation?
M ML-05/30/1993