Classification of Chameleons

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Reptilia

Order

Squamata

Suborder

Sauria

Family

Chamaeleonidae

Currently there are 78 species of the genus Chameleon and 50 subspecies. The Subfamily Chamaeleoninae is found primarily in Africa and madagascar. The Subfamily Brookesinae is found primarily in South America. The Subfamilies are divided by toe number, lung shape, and hemipeines form. Of all the Chameleon species the ones found under the Subfamily Chamaeleoninae are considered the True Chameleon and are the ones most likely to be found in the pet trade. There is much dispute over the classification of Chameleons, however, this classification is the one most accepted by the pet trade