One of the coolest parts of chameleons has to be their tails but what do they use them for? Have you ever wondered the same? Some animals like dogs and cats use their tails to convey emotions like how the former wags when it is happy.
Chameleons don’t seem to wag their tails but they do move it around in certain ways. So this begs the question, what do chameleons use their tails for?
Chameleons primarily use their tails to grab onto objects. Other than that, they also use their tails to balance themselves while they climb around the trees. More uses of their tails include making them seem smaller while they sleep and conveying emotions to other creatures.
So turns out that chameleons do have some commonalities with dogs and cats. It isn’t the exact same way but they do communicate with it at least. Let’s look into the many things that a chameleon can do with just its tail alone.
What Functions Does A Chameleon’s Tail Serve?
Chameleons have very unique tails among reptiles around the world. This is because they have something called a prehensile tail which not many reptiles have. Now, what are prehensile tails I hear you ask? Well, let me explain.
Grabbing Around Like Monkeys
Prehensile tails basically mean that their tails are capable of curling up and grabbing things. Their tails work the same way as their fingers and toes would in terms of climbing.
This function serves a chameleon incredibly well as these reptiles are arboreal creatures. They spend their lives living on trees, so they need a pretty good way to cling to them.
When a chameleon is climbing, it will use its tail to curl around sticks and branches, stabilizing itself against the tree while moving around.
They usually grip the branches of trees with their finger and toes but having a tail that works the same. This will ensure an extra layer of protection against falling.
Imagine plummeting to the ground from the top of a tree. Pretty terrifying if you ask me. On top of that, chameleons are also able to secure themselves in the perfect spot as they stalk their prey in place.
This ability not only helps them to stay incredibly still, preventing them from scaring away their food, but it also helps them to stay still to avoid the attention of predators.
Altering Their Size
Other than helping them to stay still to avoid a predator’s gaze, their tails can also make them smaller. That said, it isn’t physically possible for them to alter their size and make themselves smaller or bigger.
It is, however, possible for them to look smaller by keeping their tails by their side. Chameleons use the tails to appear smaller while they are soundly sleeping away at night by curling them up next to them.
This benefits them by making them appear smaller to predators which will make them look less obvious. This is incredibly important to their survival as chameleons don’t have many defensive mechanisms to fight back.
They are so much more vulnerable at night, which makes it so much worse for them when a predator searches for them in the night while they sleep.
Balanced, As All Things Should Be
Did you know that chameleons use their tails to balance themselves while they are sleeping? As previously mentioned, they spend most of their lives living on top of trees.
If you noticed, a tree branch really isn’t the most balanced place to sleep on. Chameleons’ millions of years of evolution have prepared them to be able to balance themselves while they sleep on these uneven and narrow surfaces such as tree branches.
This doesn’t just work on tree branches though, they can also use their tails to balance themselves on whatever uneven surface they find themselves on. Moreover, this also helps keep them comfortable while they sleep away soundly into the night.
Color Changing Appendage
This probably won’t surprise you but chameleons can change the color of their tails. The color will mostly depend on things such as temperature, light, and mood.
The thing that is special for some chameleons though is the pattern they can change to on their tails. Some species of chameleon can show off elaborate patterns of color while others simply change the shade from light to dark and vice versa.
Typically, the color of their tail will follow the pattern of the color change of their bodies anyway. Does this mean that they show emotions with their tails as well?
Can Chameleons Show Emotions With Their Tails?
Why yes! Yes, they can. Just like some other animals that tell you how they feel with their tails, a chameleon can do the same.
Other than the change of color, chameleons also use tail movements to show you how they feel as well.
Don’t expect it to wag in excitement though, chameleons aren’t really excitable animals. Here are some things that you can expect from a chameleon’s tail.
Stressed Out
Chameleons aren’t really known for the tolerance for stress. If anything, they are known to be the worst stress handlers amongst pets.
This is why it is important for you to know how to read your chameleon’s tail to know if they feel stressed out. In fact, stress can really shorten a chameleon’s lifespan, sometimes by a lot.
A stressed chameleon will usually have its tail curled while sitting in a particular spot. It’s either that or they are worried about something, probably about your presence.
Relaxed chameleons, on the other hand, have straight tails. This may be confusing to some pet owners as common animals tend to show aggression when their tails straighten.
If your chameleon’s tail is as straight as a pencil, there is nothing to worry about, and it’s pretty happy as it is.
Fight Me, Or Not
Like many other animals, chameleons can show aggression using their tails as well. It isn’t the same way you would be used to, so it might confuse you a little.
Dogs and cats typically have straight tails when they are ready to pounce and attack you. In contrast, chameleons will use their tails with other indicators to show aggression to ward off threats.
You will find a rocking flat lizard hissing at things while having its tail curled as a way to communicate aggression to threats around it.
Their tails can even curl and straighten repeatedly as a way to scare off other creatures. It’s so aggressive, that it might even deter predators from attacking them.
What Should I Do If My Chameleon Uses Its Tail Against Me?
If you find your chameleon curling its tail showing signs of aggression as mentioned, just leave it alone. Chameleons are shy and prefer solitary confinement rather than being in the presence of others.
Leaving them alone will be your best option to deal with whatever situation it is when they use their tails against you. Don’t play with their tails as well.
You could risk damaging it which makes them lose their ability to use their tails. I’ve already mentioned how important their tails are, so be smart.
Conclusion
Chameleons use their tails as a way to grip themselves among the branches in the trees as they move around. Moreover, they can also create the illusion of being smaller than usual. On top of that, chameleons are also able to balance themselves while sleeping to keep them safe and comfortable.
Furthermore, emotions are conveyed through the tails like most other household animals. However, they don’t do it the typical way, so learn the patterns to avoid confusion on how they actually feel.
If your chameleon shows signs of stress or aggression with their tails, just leave it alone. Your chameleon will very much appreciate it if you just watch it from afar. You can even enjoy being fascinated by how versatile their tails are as well.
