Rieppeleon brevicaudatus (Matschie, 1892)

Common Names and Native Range

Rieppeleon brevicaudatus, commonly called the bearded leaf chameleon or bearded pygmy chameleon, is a chameleon native to the eastern Usambara and Uluguru Mountains in northeastern Tanzania and Kenya.

Genus Distinguishing Feature

It can be easily told apart from other species in the Rieppeleon genus by a "beard" of a small number of raised scales located below its mouth.

Adult Size

Full-grown individuals reach only 3 inches (8 cm) in total length.

Typical Base Coloration

Compared to other chameleons, this species typically has rather drab coloration, most often brown or tan.

Background Matching and Stress Color Change

Despite this common base color, it is fully capable of changing its color: it often shifts to a shade that matches its background, and darkens when it experiences stress.

Dead Leaf Mimicry

It can also compress its body from side to side, grow a stripe down its side, and mimic a dead leaf; it often holds this leaf-mimicking form when sleeping in open areas.

Full Color Range

It can take on a wide range of colors, including yellow, green, orange, black, and brown.

Actual Purpose of Color Change

A widespread misconception about this species claims it uses color change for camouflage; in fact, these chameleons change color to court mates and communicate stress or other emotions.

Sexual Dimorphism Traits

Males can be distinguished from females by their longer tails, more prominent dorsal crests, slimmer bodies, and persistent patterning.

Shared Chameleon Family Traits

Like all other members of the family Chamaeleonidae, this species has independently rotating eye sockets and a tongue that is longer than its entire body.