Minute leaf chameleon  (Brookesia minima)

Description

Often considered to be the smallest species of the diminutive stump-tailed chameleons, (Brookesia species), the minute leaf chameleon is one of the smallest reptiles in the world (3). The cylindrical body is camouflaged in shades of green, brown and grey, often with a lichen-like striped pattern. Often there is a pale beige patch on the chameleon’s front, believed to play a role in communication or mate recognition. The tiny head is relatively flat with a short, downwards pointing snout, and a row of small, spiny scales runs along each side of the backbone. Male minute dwarf chameleons are shorter in length and have a longer tail than females (2).

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