This is a lizzard that uses the ability to change color as a safety mechanism. He changes color to blend into the background so he will not be noticed by the creatures which prey upon it.

that is so wrong what the person before me said. they change colour because of their mood, health, light and temperature. i dont no what different colours mean tbh :)

yellow means scare,,,,,,,,, m i right

black and dark colors suggest aggression as in seeing another chameleon in it's territory. Put a mirror in front of the chameleon to elicit this reaction.

1) "Many people think chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings. Scientists disagree. Their studies show that light, temperature, and mood cause chameleons to change color. Sometimes changing color can make the chameleon more comfortable. Sometimes it helps the animal communicate with other chameleons. Light: Say a brown chameleon decides to rest in the sun. The chameleon's brain may tell the yellow cells in its skin to become larger than the blue cells below. Suddenly the chameleon turns green. This lighter color helps the skin reflect bright sunlight. Temperature: If a chameleon is cold, it might turn a darker color. Why? Because darker colors absorb more heat than light ones. Mood: Mood probably causes most color changes. For example, if a panther chameleon gets angry, red and yellow replace its normal color. A chemical called melanin rises toward the skin's surface, causing areas of the skin to darken. The animal's new look tells other chameleons, "I'm ready to fight!" When a male wants to attract a female, he will wear his most flashy colors, as if to say, "Hey baby, want to hang out?" One type of male chameleon will change from brown to purple and light blue. His eyelids may even turn yellow with green spots. What female chameleon wouldn't fall for such a handsome guy?" Source and further information: http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngexplorer/0210/articles/mainarticle.html 2) "Various colors and patterns encode different messages. Brighter male colors show off dominance and, this way, a male attracts a female, or defends its territory by flashing bright coloration. Submission or surrender is signaled by drab browns and grays. A female's color signals mating status, willingness or pregnancy state. Temperature influences the color as well. In the cool mornings, chameleons warm up at the sun, taking a black coat that adsorbs the sun heat easier, besides flattening their flanks. During the night, the chameleons turn whitish, whereas in strong light, they turn brownish. At 25 degrees C, they take on a green color, while at 10 degrees C, their color turns into gray. If a leaf is put on the back of a chameleon and removed after a period, it will leave a color mark on its back, following its shape, due to the shifts in light and temperature." Source and further information: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Why-Do-Chameleons-Change-Their-Colors-It-039-s-About-Sex-and-Social-Life-77404.shtml