Known for their bizarre appearance and unique abilities, chameleons are undoubtedly one of the most interesting creatures in the animal kingdom. You probably know they can change their skin color, but do you know where chameleons live or how many chameleon species there are? Read on to find out all about them.

Chameleon habitat ranges greatly from rain forests and mountains to savanna and deserts, but all chameleons live in warm (tropical or subtropical) areas. While they can be found in many parts of the world including southern Europe, Southeast Asia, Hawaii, California, and Florida, almost half of the world’s 200 chameleon species live in Madagascar.

Most chameleon species are egg-layers, but some deliver live young in clear, cocoon-like sacs. With an adult size of up to 70 cm (27 in), the Parson’s chameleon is considered the largest chameleon species in the world.

Boasting the most distinctive eyes of any reptile, chameleons have large eyes with a 360-degree arc of vision and can see two directions at once. Chameleons also have a very distinctive tongue. Up to 2 times longer than their body, the tongue can be rapidly projected to capture prey.

They generally eat insects, but larger species, such as the common chameleon, may also eat other lizards and even birds. They are loners. In fact, most of the time, females don’t want males to even come near them. During the rare moments when the female is willing to be touched, the male will approach for mating.