250 



RXAKES, TURILES, LIZARDS, CROCODILES 



is scarcely three and one half inches long, but its tail maj 

 be six inches in length. It has gained the name chameleon 

 from the fact that it can cliange its color from green to 

 bronze bro\\7i, ^vith all the varj-ing intermediate shatles. 

 Its l)0(h' is covered with lielicate minute scales and is 



J'lLi. 1/0- — Atiu'iicaii rliaiiieiuuii. Note tlic toe^. 



furnislied with four nimble leo-s, wliicji end with verv long;, 

 slender toes (Fig. 176). Beneath its neck is a fold of bright 

 red skin that makes a very striking appearance when ex- 

 panded. 



Old World chameleons. — The true chameleon, of which 

 so mucli lias Ijcen AM-itten, is an inhabitant of the Old 

 World. It is found in Afi'ica and .\sia. along the coasts of 

 the Mediteiianean Sea. The head is large and angular, 

 and tlie body is compi-essed, and furnished with a long, 

 prehensile lail and with four legs cajiable of supporting its 



