The flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) name comes from the flap at the back of its neck, which helps with it camouflage – its body is mottled greens – similar colours to its tree habitat. A flapneck chameleon can shoot its tongue out as far as the length of its own body. It does this at a speed of around three hundredths of a second. Chameleon literally means “dwarf lion”. The name is appropriate due to its aggressive, defensive behaviour.
