Chameleon

24th November 2023

Photo Credit: Jesnofer, Getty Images, Via CANVA

Ay, but hearken sir, though the chameleon love

can feed on air, I am one that am nourished by

my victuals and would fain have meat. O, be not like

your mistress! Be moved, be moved.

SPEED, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act 2, Scene 1

Shakespeare uses the Chameleon 4 times in his works. Twice he refers to the legend that the Chameleon could live on air, and hence was connected with lovers who did not need any more nourishment than their love. He also includes two references to the Chameleon changing colour. Chameleons do change colour for disguise, to absorb or reflect heat, to communicate to other Chameleons and to display their mood.

The Common or European Chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) is native to southern Europe and the south and east Mediterranean. It is currently recognised as a species of LEAST CONCERN of threat in the IUCN Red List.

More Information

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Common Chameleon Records

BBC Natural Histories: Chameleon Page