Can You Spot the Perfectly Camouflaged Chameleons in This ‘Normal’ Field of Grass?

Can You Spot the Perfectly Camouflaged Chameleons in This ‘Normal’ Field of Grass?
(Courtesy of Azure Marshmello)
Epoch Inspired Staff
1/16/2021
Updated:
9/11/2021

This outdoor scenery in Tel Aviv looks inconspicuous enough, but how many people would notice what is hidden in the tall grass? There are a few little critters camouflaged perfectly right before your eyes.

One night, Azure Marshmello went on an evening walk. At first, she, like many, thought little of the field of tall grass surrounding her. However, upon closer examination, she realized there was a delightful surprise hiding right before her eyes.

Can you see any critters hiding in the picture?

(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/azure.marshmello">Azure Marshmello</a>)
(Courtesy of Azure Marshmello)
After snapping a photo, Marshmello shared it on Facebook, challenging users to spot what she’d seen.

Many people were stumped, but some claimed they could see the photo’s hidden surprise: There were several baby chameleons almost perfectly blended in with the grass.

A shocked Marshmello had spotted the tiny lizards as they tucked in for the night. Luckily, the little reptiles just showed up in her photograph and she was able to share it with the world.

It’s hard to spot the sand-colored chameleons in the picture, which are almost perfectly matched to the grass, but some people were just able to pick them out of the photograph.

Here they are. Can you see them now?

(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/azure.marshmello">Azure Marshmello</a>)
(Courtesy of Azure Marshmello)
“Since then,” she told The Dodo in December, “each time I walk nearby I count all the chameleons I can spot. It’s a relatively easy task once your eye knows what to look for.”

She added that the field makes a great spot for these creatures of habit.

“I suspect every night each chameleon settles down for sleep in the same spot,” she said.

Though the chameleons blend in with the grass, it’s a common misconception that the critters can change color at will.

(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/azure.marshmello">Azure Marshmello</a>)
(Courtesy of Azure Marshmello)
(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/azure.marshmello">Azure Marshmello</a>)
(Courtesy of Azure Marshmello)
According to National Geographic, a chameleon’s color reflects its mood. Rather than a shifting skin pigmentation, chameleons actually have a triangular lattice of nanoscale crystals underneath the top layer of the epidermis.

The cells of the top layer of the epidermis play a significant role in adjusting the color of a chameleon’s skin pigment. The skin can allow different wavelengths of light to reflect off the nanoscale crystals, changing the tone and color that is emitted.

Neutral colors like greens and earth tones mean the chameleon is relaxed. Darker colors can indicate submissiveness and vibrant colors can show excitement or aggression.

(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/azure.marshmello">Azure Marshmello</a>)
(Courtesy of Azure Marshmello)
(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/azure.marshmello">Azure Marshmello</a>)
(Courtesy of Azure Marshmello)
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Epoch Inspired staff cover stories of hope that celebrate kindness, traditions, and triumph of the human spirit, offering valuable insights into life, culture, family and community, and nature.
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