An alternative scientific name or variant spelling for the chameleon genus, particularly used in older or regional taxonomic systems.
From Greek 'chamae' (low, on the ground) and 'leo' (lion), based on the ancient belief that chameleons were small lions of the ground. The spelling varies across different scientific traditions.
Ancient Greeks thought chameleons were ground-dwelling lions because of their fearsome expression and rotating eyes—they had no idea these gentle creatures actually eat insects and are completely harmless.
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