International Chameleon Day May 9, 2025

International Chameleon Day

One moment they"re blending in, the next they"re flaunting a new shade—chameleons really know how to colour the world. But every May 9, these masters of disguise can"t hide from the spotlight. International Chameleon Day celebrates their colour-shifting skills, zippy tongues and wild adaptations. With over 200 species found in diverse habitats, these reptiles don"t change colour to match their background. Instead, their shifting shades help regulate body temperature, attract mates and communicate with others. Specialised skin cells, including iridophores, reflect light to create dazzling displays. Some species turn bright to signal aggression, while others adopt subdued tones to avoid attention.

© Photostock-Israel/SPL/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

A natural spotlight
The last living fort in India
May 9, 2024Tulips at Emirgan Park in Istanbul, Türkiye

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Nov 14, 2024Manarola, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy
Nov 5, 2024Ranakpur Jain temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan
Nothing says ‘San Francisco’ quite like...
How can we help at-risk animals?
Stars in daylight
Beautiful falling waters
Apr 21, 2025International Dark Sky Week
Stepping back in time
Jun 4, 2025Cala Luna beach, Sardinia, Italy
Feb 7, 2024St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
Sep 16, 2024Wallabies at sunrise, Australia
Jan 30, 2025Rolands Breach, Spain
Aug 30, 2025International Whale Shark Day
Aug 23, 2024Prasat Phanom Rung temple ruins, Thailand
Nov 8, 2023Crystal River, Three Sisters Spring, Florida, USA
Jul 18, 2025Turquoise waters of the Bahamas
Night outside the museum
Nov 21, 2025Small island near Ezhikkara, Kerala
Bryce Canyon hoodoos in winter
Perfect, pastoral Palouse
Himalaya mountain range
Aug 9, 2025Raksha Bandhan
Aug 2, 2024Virgin Islands National Park, Saint John, United States
May 11, 2024An indigo on a branch, Texas, USA
What’s your favorite colour?
Meet an expert on the dog days of summer
Mar 30, 2025Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
May 18, 2024Natural History Museum, London, England
Jan 9, 2024Gayathri Reservoir, Karnataka, India
Two hungry baby beavers