Brookesia micra : Micro chameleon of the Brookesia genus. It was discovered in Madagascar along with three other species, during an expedition carried out between 2003 and 2007 . It is currently the smallest known chameleon, no larger than 29mm in size, small enough to stand on top of a match head. In length, adult Brookesia micra can grow to 29 millimeters (1.1 inches).
Summary
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- 1 Taxonomy
- 1 Etymology
- 2 Description
- 3 Distribution and habitat
- 4 See also
- 5 Sources
Taxonomy
Brookesia Micra was discovered and named by a team of researchers led by Frank Glaw of the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology . Members of the species had previously been marked as Brookesia sp. Nosy Hara in 2007 for Glaw and Vences .
Etymology
Brookesia micra’s specific epithet is a derivation of the Latin form of the Greek word “μικρός” (mikros), which means either “small” or “small” and refers to the small size of the body.
Description
Male Brookesia microns reach a maximum snout-sewer length of 16 millimeters (0.63 inches), and the total body length of both sexes is less than 30 millimeters (1.2 inches), which places them Among the smallest amniote vertebrates found anywhere in the world. Compared to Brookesia minima, Brookesia micra has a shorter tail and a larger head. Brookesia micra adults also have an orange tail, as opposed to a discreet brown. The lizard’s size may be linked to its habitat, due to dwarf insularity.
Distribution and habitat
Brookesia Micra, along with three other species, was found in northern Madagascar, sometime between 2003 and 2007. On a small islet off the coast. They usually live in leaf litter during the day, and climb tree branches as tall as 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) at night to sleep and lack natural enemies. Brookesia microns live in an area subjected to illegal logging, which can make them “sensitive to habitat destruction,” according to researcher Jorn Köhler .
