Classification & Taxonomy

In order to properly classify chameleons scientifically, we need to take a look at their taxonomy. All chameleons are part of the following groups:

          Kingdom: Animalia

          Phylum: Chordata

          Class: Reptilia

          Order: Squamata

          Suborder: Lacertilia

          Family: Chamaeleonidae

     They are then broken down into the two Subfamilies: Chamaeleoninae or Brookesiinae

     Chamaeleoninae includes the following genera: Chamaeleo, Calumma, Bradypodion, and Furcifer

     Brookesiinae includes the following genera: Rhampholeon, Rieppeleon, and Brookesia,

     Genus Chamaeleo is broken down into subgenera: Chamaeleo and Trioceros      Genus Rhampholeon is broken down into subgenera: Rhampholeon, Bicuspis and Rhinodigitum