Page 18 - Chameleon

A Show of Strength

Chameleons have two opposing states, Milinkovitch says. They either try
to be invisible, which subtle color shifts help them achieve, or try to be
seen—again by changing their color, but this time much more explosively.
No display stands out against the green forest backdrop like that of
male dominance. Chameleons are highly territorial: When two males
encounter each other, there’s a fierce show-off—in this case, of color.
“They go nuts,” Milinkovitch says. “They’ll be-
come yellow, red, white—something visible in the tree.”
The weaker male, who’s often smaller and more dimly colored, will concede
defeat by turning off his display first, which indicates that he doesn’t want to fight.
Perhaps he’ll try another tactic instead. Research has shown
that some male chameleons will use color to impersonate fe-
males, which allows them to sneak by other males without the
threat of competition, much like cuttlefish have been known to do.
Chameleons will also use their displays to dazzle females during
courtship. But no matter how brilliant the display, some female liz-
ards won’t be interested—and they’ll use color to let the men know.

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