How a chameleon changes color mechanism. True chameleon color. Why does a chameleon change color? How exactly and with what help these lizards change color. Chameleon paint "Sirius". base colors: burgundy, green

Chameleons are one of the most unusual creatures that inhabit the planet. These reptiles attract attention primarily due to their unique ability to change color. Why do chameleons change color? In what cases do they resort to such metamorphoses? How do chameleons change color? We will consider the answers in our material, and also present some interesting facts about these amazing animals.

Mechanism of color change

Before telling why a chameleon changes color, I would like to say a few words about what makes this ability possible. The original function is determined by the specific structure of the animal’s skin tissue. Almost its entire surface is covered with special cells called chromatophores. The latter contain color pigments. The dyes are presented in the form of microscopic moving grains.

Chromatophore cells can expand and contract. The result is a mixture of color pigments in separate combinations. If the grains are concentrated in the center of the cell, it acquires a light shade. When pigments move to the periphery, dark colors are produced.

Contains in the deep and superficial layers of the skin different quantity chromatophore with individual combinations of dyes. This, in fact, explains the widest range of colors to which the chameleon changes color. Why do such animals resort to such unusual metamorphoses? We'll talk about this further.

Why does a chameleon change its color?

Each of us is familiar with the statement that such reptiles change color for the purpose of camouflage against the background of the surrounding area, trying to become invisible to predators. However, as the results of special studies show, this is nothing more than a misconception. In practice, such animals are not able to become monochrome on a white canvas. The same applies to a black background. In such situations, the shade of the lizard’s body will still remain somewhat contrasting.

So why does a chameleon actually change color? Scientists have found that such metamorphoses can occur under the influence of a number of emotional and physiological factors. First of all, it is worth noting the effect on the animal’s body of a certain temperature, lighting, and humidity. Chameleons can change shade when they are dehydrated, feel pain, feel hungry, are scared, show aggression towards an enemy, or want to attract the attention of a female.

Also, why do chameleons change skin color? Researchers have found that a significant role here is played by what objects the animal’s gaze is directed at. According to the results of experiments, when the optic nerve of a lizard is damaged, the ability for color metamorphosis is completely lost. This is due to the fact that the transformation of shades occurs only during a certain chain of actions. When light hits the retina of a chameleon's eye, it affects the nervous system. Signals are transmitted to the brain and then to the chromatophores. Exposure of an animal to light of a certain intensity leads to a change in skin tone in one spectrum or another. The same thing happens if you irritate the reptile’s body with weak charges of electric current.

So we found out why the chameleon changes color. Contrary to popular belief, such lizards are not experts in the field of camouflage. The color change serves other purposes.

What shades can a chameleon's body take on?

More than 160 species of lizards that belong to the presented genus live on the planet. Most of them are only able to change color from green to brown. However, some reptiles have learned to transform body shades in a wide range, from white, yellow, orange to purple, pink, and black. It is noteworthy that chameleons do not change color instantly. This usually takes up to a minute. After all, chromatophore cells require some time to contract and expand.

Chameleon vision

If we talk about interesting facts as for these animals, special attention deserves unusual vision. Chameleons are able to rotate their eyes at an angle of 360 degrees, covering any surrounding objects. Moreover, the visual organs can rotate independently of each other. When necessary, the eyes concentrate on individual subjects on both sides of the body. Focusing of vision in one direction occurs during a chameleon hunt. Thus, the lizard gets the opportunity to notice potential prey at a distance of more than 10 meters.

Hearing

As you can see, the vision of such reptiles is fine. However, what about the perception of the sounds of the surrounding world? Such lizards are less fortunate with hearing. Like other reptiles, such as snakes, chameleons lack a middle ear. For this reason, they do not recognize most sounds. However, it cannot be said that these lizards are deaf. In reality, their hearing is limited to a frequency range between 200 and 600 Hertz.

Nutrition

An interesting fact is that chameleons have an extremely long ballistic tongue. In most species, its size exceeds the body parameters. At the end of the tongue there is a so-called trapping sucker. While searching for food, the chameleon takes a stationary position in ambush. Rotating the eyes in different directions allows the lizard to notice the insect. At the moment of attack, the chameleon rapidly throws out a ballistic tongue in the direction of the victim. The process of capturing and drawing prey into the mouth takes a fraction of a second.

The diet of chameleons consists of butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers and crickets. Most major representatives This kind of lizard is capable of hunting birds and rodents. During periods of food shortage, chameleons may consume small fruits and tree leaves.

Dimensions

An amazing fact is that the body parameters of lizards that belong to this genus vary widely. The smallest chameleons on the planet are representatives of the species Brookesia micra. Adults can grow only up to 15 millimeters. As for the largest chameleons, they are lizards of the species Furcifer oustaleti. Their maximum dimensions are about 70 centimeters.

The chameleon is an inhabitant of sultry Africa, which gained fame thanks to unique ability change skin color. This small lizard, only 30 cm long, can transform itself, becoming black, pink, green, blue, red, yellow. Many scientists have conducted various studies to find out how a chameleon changes color and what it is connected with. It was assumed that he thus disguises himself as the background surrounding him. But this turned out to be a wrong assumption.

This lizard itself is unique. She looks like a dragon, often changes skin color, sits for hours on tree branches waiting for prey, which she captures with her long tongue. Her eyes live a separate life, turning in different directions. The chameleon changes color thanks to special cells - chromatophores. His skin is transparent, which is why cells containing pigment of different colors are clearly visible.

For a long time, researchers could not understand how a chameleon changes color and why this happens. It was assumed that he needed this for camouflage. After all, having painted, for example, a lizard can camouflage itself in the foliage, hiding from predators and waiting for its victims. Indeed, during the course of evolution, many chameleons have learned to acquire the color and pattern of their enemy - for example, a bird or a snake.

Modern research has shown that the process by which a chameleon changes color depends entirely on its condition. Skin color varies due to mood changes - reactions such as fear or joy. It may even depend on the air temperature. In Africa, many chameleons are purchased in the morning in order to attract them, but during the day they become lighter in color so that it is not so hot. They use variegated colors in mating games, in order to attract a representative of the opposite faction.

Chromatophores in chameleons are located in the deep layers of the skin and directly depend on the nervous system. IN top layer there are cells containing red and yellow pigments. Next is guanine, which very accurately reproduces Blue colour. Under it are melanophores, which are responsible for the pigments of black and yellow colors and contain melanin. The way the pigment granules are arranged in the cell completely affects the color. The chameleon is a very interesting animal. After all, the pigments in its cells move very quickly, changing color. If they are concentrated in the center of the cell, then it will remain transparent, and if they are evenly distributed over it, they will be colored in an intense color.

Nerve endings connect chromatophores to the brain, where commands for change come from. The way a chameleon changes color can be compared to a palette in which colors, when mixed, create completely new shades. Thanks to its ability to change skin color, this lizard has gained immense popularity. Today, other things that shimmer in different shades or change them are called chameleons.

Although it seems that by changing color the lizard wants to camouflage itself, this is not the case. She doesn't pay attention to the background at all. Skin color is influenced by mood, experienced emotions, air temperature, but not by the environment. Therefore, the opinion that when a chameleon turns up, black and white cells will appear on it is fundamentally wrong.

Dear friends! One of prominent representatives exclusive colors are chameleons. This is truly a man-made miracle. The scope of application of chameleons is limited only by imagination: painting cars, motorcycles, bicycles, rims, protective helmets, household appliances and electronics, furniture, decorative items, design, various accessories, etc. These paints have excellent performance strength, are resistant to ultraviolet radiation and weathering. The number of shades and effects that a particular chameleon conveys can only be described conditionally. Since the lighting conditions and viewing angles of the surface have an infinite number of variations, the chameleon is able to create a rich polyphony of color mixing and color play, using its many basic colors and their shades. It was by subjectively determining the base colors that chameleon manufacturers gave these paints individuality and assigned trade names, under which an individual set of base colors and their shades was recorded.
Our laboratory presents a collection of 11 chameleons of different basic colors and shades made in the UK and USA. We sell these wonderful paints both by bulk and in aerosol cans. Below we will look at each chameleon separately, as well as the technology of application, prices and methods of purchase.
NOT A SECRET! CHAMELEON paints transform ordinary things into noticeable and exclusive, and cheap and mass-produced ones into expensive and unique ones.

ASSORTMENT OF COLOR LABORATORY CHAMELEONS (11 chameleons)

You need to correctly understand that the name of the basic colors is just the color scheme of a chameleon; in practice, it is more and more complex, diverse and subjective.
ATTENTION! Colors displayed on your monitor may differ slightly from the original. For an accurate understanding of the color of each chameleon please WATCH THE VIDEO.

1. Chameleon paint “AURORA”. Basic colors: neon green, blue, purple.

2. Chameleon paint “TYPHOON”. Basic colors: red-burgundy, green, purple.

3. Chameleon paint “ANTIUS”. Basic colors: yellow, gold, blue, purple, burgundy.

4. Chameleon paint “NEPTUNE”. Basic colors: blue, blue, purple.

5. Paint chameleon “SUGAR”. Basic colors: burgundy, purple, yellow, gold.

6. Chameleon paint “SIRIUS”. Basic colors: burgundy, green.

7. Chameleon paint “PROMETHEUS”. Basic colors: gold, burgundy, brown, purple.

8. Chameleon paint "POSEIDON". Basic colors: blue, blue, purple.

Differs from "NEPTUNE" more soft play colors, severity and less spectral contrast between the basic colors.

9. Chameleon paint "OBLIVION". Basic colors: yellow, blue, purple.

10. Chameleon paint "ZEPHIR". Basic colors: fuchsia, lime, gold, yellow, gray, purple.

11. Chameleon paint "LAGOON". Basic colors: green, lilac, gray, violet.

PAINTING TECHNOLOGY, PRICES and HOW TO BUY

1. Packaging options and manufacturers

Our laboratory sells CHAMELEON paints both in aerosol cans of 520 ml and by weight from 100g. Exclusive paints in aerosol cans are convenient for painting wheels, bicycles, motor vehicles, household appliances, furniture, electrical appliances, interior items, souvenirs, etc. They will also be convenient for designers, decorators, exclusive industries and just home craftsmen. Loose paints are intended for spray guns and are used for professional painting of large-sized objects such as motor vehicles, furniture, large interior elements, etc. Our Color Laboratory receives exclusive paints directly from manufacturers in the USA and UK. Pigments of these chameleons High Quality and concentration, and also have excellent resistance to ultraviolet exposure. It is for this reason that we do not use Chinese, Singaporean and Malaysian paints, which are mainly suitable for the nail business and cosmetics making.

2. On what surfaces can exclusive paints be applied and approximate consumption

CHAMELEON paints can be applied to products made of metal, plastic, wood, glass, concrete. Paint consumption is: aerosol can 520 ml per 1 sq. meter of surface in 4 middle layers. This number of layers is quite enough for the exclusive paint to reveal all its capabilities. Chameleon by weight has the same consumption as a simple metallic: 300 g per 1 sq.m. in 3 medium layers with a spray gun nozzle of 1.3 mm - 1.4 mm

3. How to paint

CHAMELEON paint should be applied to prepared surfaces at an air temperature of at least 18 degrees Celsius. Before painting, shake the paint can thoroughly for 1 minute. After painting, turn the can upside down and for 2 seconds. bleed off the paint to clean the nozzle. Initially, the object to be painted chameleon needs to be painted in a simple black color (with a simple base paint without varnish, which can be purchased from us). Less often, to obtain the pearl effect, the substrate is made not black but white.
In 10 minutes. After applying the black paint, the chameleon is applied. The number of layers is from 3 to 6, depending on the color of the chameleon and the method of application (usually more layers with a can than with a spray gun). Interlayer exposure 3-5 minutes. at room temperature for the can and 10 min. for a spray gun. After the last layer of paint, wait for 10 - 15 minutes. and apply 2-3 layers of spray varnish with an interlayer exposure of 5 minutes, or two-component acrylic with an interlayer exposure of 10 minutes. Next, we dry the varnish according to its passport value. We always have varnishes, both spray and two-component, on sale. A beautiful “fashionable” effect is achieved by a chameleon opened with matte acrylic or tactile suede polyurethane varnish. You can find out what tactile paints and Soft-Touch varnishes are on this page of the website. These rare varnishes are also in our laboratory.

4. Price

5. How to buy

Very simple. Welcome to the Color Laboratory at the address indicated in the contacts. If you need delivery in Moscow or Russia, place an order in our online store: on these shelves there are CHAMELEONS. Select the desired CHAMELEON color from the online store window, add it to your cart and place your order. You can pay by cards, cash and bank transfer (if you are a legal entity)

Dear friends! Remember that the Color Laboratory technologists will always and with pleasure advise you on any issues regarding painting technology.

More recently, it was believed that the chameleon’s ability to change color is a way of protecting itself from predators - snakes or birds. But during observations of this unique reptile, scientists found that this is not entirely true, and the reasons for the color change are more varied.

Description and characteristics of the chameleon

The chameleon is a small reptile (about 30 cm long) native to Africa. There are about 190 species of these amazing animals in the world.

They are not too similar to other lizards:

• Convex temporal arches, a helmet-shaped head with a raised crest make the chameleon the most recognizable lizard;
• some species reach a length of 60 cm, but there are also mini-chameleons no more than 5 cm long;
• unique tenacious claw-shaped fingers are perfectly suited for grasping branches;
• the tail can curl into a spiral and twist around branches - no other lizard has such an ability;
• The reptile's eyes can move independently of each other, which helps them hunt insects.

The lizard feeds on various insects. A hunting chameleon takes a position on a tree branch and freezes. Moving eyes fixate the prey, followed by a lightning-fast throw of the tongue with a suction cup and its return to its original position with the prey. The tongue thrust occurs almost instantly. It is estimated that in 3 seconds he manages to catch up to 4 insects.

The chameleon lives in mainland Africa, Asia, North America and Europe. Chameleons are inhabitants of a wide variety of biotopes: deserts, tropical forests, savannah Most often it lives on trees and shrubs, but terrestrial species are also found.

The family Brookesiinae are inhabitants of low-growing shrubs and shrubs. Small species of lizards that live in tree foliage cannot change color.

Important!According to the International Red List, some chameleons are endangered. These are the tiger chameleon, Elandsberg's gameleon, Namorok's chameleon and Decarie's leaf chameleon.

How does chameleon skin work?

The ability of some living creatures to change color was noticed quite a long time ago, but the opportunity to study the mechanism of this phenomenon arose only with the advent of the microscope. After carefully examining the skin, scientists noticed amazing chromatophore cells. Translated from Greek, this term means “carrying color.”
Chromatophores contain pigment grains (melanin, carotenoids, flavins and pteridine), which are free in the cell and can move. Cells containing pigment are found in two layers of the epidermis: the outer fibrous layer and the deeper layer.

If there are many pigment grains in the cytoplasm of a cell, then its color is more intense, and vice versa.

When pigment grains are concentrated in the center of the cell, the skin turns pale or yellow. When the pigment is distributed in the lateral branches of the cell, the epidermis is painted in dark shades.

Pigment grains can be brown, black, yellow and red. The combination of pigment in two different layers of skin creates various shades bright colors. Some cells contain guanidine crystals.

They provide the silver or golden color. The green color is due to the refraction of light rays in the surface layer of cells due to these crystals. Due to the refraction of light, color can change extremely quickly.

Chromatophores do not have nerve endings, with the exception of melanophores, so the color change associated with melanophores is coordinated with the nervous system and depends on the states experienced - fear, satisfaction, joy, etc.

Why does a reptile change its color?

Chameleon skin is initially colorless, and its shade depends on the physical condition the lizard is located at the current moment. Scientists have long answered the question: does a chameleon change color for camouflage? And now they know for sure that the animal never disguises itself.

To find out why the color change is needed, lizards were studied in different conditions using high-precision sensors that record changes in pigmentation. The meeting of two different individuals and an understanding of their physiological state at the moment of contact helped answer the question of what color actually depends on.

The functions of coloring can be warning and protective. Warning coloring should scare away the enemy. Its varieties also include changes in the color of some living organisms in mating season. This color change is achieved by melanophores.

Physiological factors (air temperature, lighting, hunger) also cause color changes. Thus, researchers noticed that African chameleons acquire a darker shade in the morning in order to warm up faster in the sun.
But in the afternoon they turn pale to protect themselves from overheating. The color of the iris of a chameleon's eyes does not change, but the skin around the eye takes on the same shades as the entire lizard.

Did you know?The eyes of a chameleon survey the space around 360 degrees. The lizard detects the approach of an insect from a distance of 5–10 m.

Circumstances and corresponding skin color

Scientists were unable to notice the relationship between background color and coloration, but the communicative functions were thoroughly studied.

Lizard condition	Color of the skin
Rival spotted	The coloring of both lizards becomes as bright as possible. Its purpose is to demonstrate significance. Bright spots will dominate until the end of the fight. The defeated opponent darkens, his color seems to say “don’t hit me.”
Female spotted	The color of the male is as bright as possible. The color of the female depends on the degree of her interest. A disinterested female is brighter.
Skin reaction to heat	It darkens when basking in the sun, and turns pale to cool down faster.
During electrical stimulation and at the moment of death	Pale
Fear	Pale or yellow
At rest	Green

Important!The chameleon, like other reptiles, does not hear, so for a successful hunt it needs to see the movement of its prey.

How and how quickly does he do it?

If a chameleon is kept as pet, then in normal circumstances it is green, and for no reason it has no need to change color.
All studies to determine what causes the color change have shown that the lizard always reacts to another individual or to an enemy, as well as to various natural factors.

Uncontrolled color change (at the time of death, when exposed to electric shock etc.) led to the emergence of the hypothesis that the actions of the nervous system are controlled by volitional and automatic centers. Therefore, the change in color partly depends on the fact that the lizard has noticed an enemy, a rival, or a female.

Did you know?Almost half of all known species chameleons are inhabitants of the island of Madagascar. Apart from this island, they are not found anywhere else in the world.

But uncontrolled color changes are ensured by the receipt of a signal to nerve cells(visual, tactile).

Reacting to the received signal, the skin changes shade. The speed of color change is only a few fractions of a minute. It is believed that this speed prevents the birds from seeing the change and gives the chameleon an additional chance of survival.

Experimental results

If you have purchased a pet chameleon, then few people can resist the desire to conduct a series of independent experiments and find out what color it will become in a different environment or if it is planted next to a mirror.

So, if a chameleon looks in the mirror, then the color change depends on the gender. The male will begin to prepare for a fight with his opponent and change. The color will become bright, its color depends on the species to which the lizard belongs.

But the female will wait until the chameleon (male) reflected in the mirror begins to change color. But since it is herself, then, of course, the skin tone will not change, and, bored, the female will simply leave.

And yet, when studying the properties of a lizard, you should not expose the animal to frequent stress. After all, this shortens the lifespan of your pet and can lead to illness.

People watching chameleons may think that these reptiles change color deliberately, “tailoring” themselves to the color of their environment. In this case, one would have to assume that chameleons have self-awareness and abstractness, which one would not expect from.

Mechanism of color change

In the upper layer of the skin there are special cells - chromatophores (“color-bearing”). These cells contain grains of pigment. The chameleon has three chromatophore cells: iridocytes, xanthophores and melanocytes. Iridocytes contain guanine, which gives a golden or silver color, xanthophores contain carotene, associated with a range of shades from yellow to red, and melanocytes, which contain melanin, range in color from yellow to black.

All three types of chromatophores are equipped with processes that can contract. When the process contracts, the pigment is concentrated in the middle of the chromatophore, which makes the color lighter. If the process does not contract, the pigment ends up in it and the color becomes darker.

Chromatophores are also capable of movement. When they are immersed in the deeper layers of the skin, the color is pale, and when they are near the surface, it is more saturated.

All this can happen in different combinations: some cells went deeper, others remained near the surface, in some the processes were straightened, in others they were contracted. Thanks to this, the color “palette” of the chameleon turns out to be very rich.

Reasons for color change

Not having a developed central nervous system, a chameleon, of course, cannot think: “I am now among green leaves, which means I need to color my skin in green color" Contrary to popular belief, disguise as environment- is not the only or even the main purpose of a chameleon’s ability to change color.

The color change is associated with the emotions that the animal experiences. In a state of excitement or fear, the chameleon turns yellow, and in an aggressive emotional mood, it turns black.

It affects the color of chameleons and lighting: in the dark they become creamy with yellow spots.

The color change of males during the mating season becomes especially striking and unpredictable. This is not only a way to attract the attention of females, but also a threat addressed to rivals.

Such patterns of color changes in chameleons indicate that color variations are controlled by nervous system. The mechanisms of nervous regulation of the activity of chromatophores have not been fully studied, but vision plays a certain role in them: if one eye is removed from a chameleon, the corresponding half of the body loses the ability to change color.