Chamaeleontidae

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Chamaeleontidae (chameleons; order Squamata, suborder Sauria) A family of arboreal lizards, descended from the Agamidae, in which the eyes are protruding, with the lids fused to a small central aperture, and move independently. There is no tympanic membrane. The tongue is sticky and may equal the body in length. Horns are common. The toes are grasping and opposable. The tail is prehensile. Chamaeleo chamaeleon (common chameleon, European chameleon, or Mediterranean chameleon) is basically greenish but can change colour; it basks on branches of trees and shrubs and occurs throughout the Mediterranean region. There are 86 species in the family, all confined to the Old World, and found mainly in Africa and Madagascar.