Chameleons are distinguished by their feet, with zygodactylous arrangement of digits: with two toes facing forward (digits 2 and 3) and two back (digits 1 and 4). This arrangement is most common in arboreal species, particularly those that climb tree trunks or clamber through foliage.  Chameleons have very extensive, highly modified, rapidly extrudable tongues and crests or horns on their brow and snout. Most species, the larger ones in particular, also have a tail, that they can use to grab things. Chameleons’ eyes are independently mobile, but in aiming at a prey item, they focus forward.

Chameleons are adapted for climbing and visual hunting. They live in warm habitats that range from rain forest to desert conditions, with various species occurring in Africa, Madagascar, southern Europe, and across southern Asia as far as Sri Lanka. They also have been introduced to Hawaii, California, and Florida, and often are kept as household pets.