Lizards in the slow lane: Thermal biology of chameleons

1.Field body temperatures (Tb's) of Chamaeleo chamaeleon in southwestern Spain averaged 28 °C in October and 30 °C in June. Slopes of regressions of Tb on Ta (ambient temperature at perch height) indicated that individuals were able to maintain a preferred body temperature of about 30 °C in June but not in October.2.Review of data from the literature indicated that chameleons in general have field body temperatures and selected body temperatures (means 30 and 31 °C, respectively) that are low relative to those of most other diurnal lizards.