Scientists discover that tiny crystals are behind a chameleon's ability to change colors

Scientists have found that a chameleon is able to rapidly change color because of tiny crystals directly under the skin that act as mirrors.

In a study published Tuesday in Nature Communications, researchers shared that panther chameleons have crystals called iridophores that contract or expand if the chameleon is feeling excited or stressed, and reflect different wavelengths of light. "Light will bounce on them only for specific wavelengths," co-author Michel Milinkovitch told BBC Earth. "The other wavelengths will not bounce on these cells."

The different colors are caused by the size of the crystals and where they are on the skin. Male chameleons change color frequently to show off for a rival or to scare him away. "It's really a social display," Milinkovitch said. The researchers also found a deeper layer of skin that reflects near-infrared sunlight, and might be responsible for helping chameleons regulate body temperatures.

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