Chameleon Spur Mystery

The tarsal spur in chameleons stands out as a fascinating feature of sexual dimorphism within the reptile clade. Specifically, male chameleons of certain species possess this unique appendage, which remains enigmatic in terms of its functional significance and evolutionary implications. The tarsal spur is a skin duplicature - caudal protrusion of the tarsus, located at the plantar level of the hind feet, and is covered with scales analogous to those of surrounding structures.

Observed both in captivity and now in the wild, it is unclear whether the spur massages of the female flanks are intentional or what their specific function might be. It appears that these movements could be related to grasping the female during mating rituals, but whether they are deliberate actions with a particular meaning is unknown. Observers are left to watch and draw their own conclusions.