Antsingy leaf chameleon  (Brookesia perarmata)

Description

The Antsingy leaf chameleon is much smaller than most chameleons, but is the largest of the Brookesia (dwarf) chameleon species. It has a limited ability to change colour and looks like a tiny armoured dragon, with thorny spines running down its back and sides (2). It is dull in colouration, with a dark brown body and a lighter brown head. This suits its lifestyle though, as it hides amongst the dead leaf litter, and is therefore well camouflaged (4).

As a forest floor dwelling chameleon this species does not have a prehensile tail to assist tree climbing. Instead, its tail is short and stumped, and also has spines running down it (5). Its eyes have two rounded crests behind them, and are almost completely covered by brown eyelids, leaving only a narrow opening (5).

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