The Fascinating Story Behind Calumma parsonii: Parsons' Chameleon
The majestic Calumma parsonii, the largest and probably most striking chameleons in the world, holds a unique place in scientific history. Native to the forests of Madagascar, this chameleon's name reflects a rich tapestry of historical contributions from both the Irish naturalist James Parsons and the renowned French zoologist Georges Cuvier. The full scientific name, Calumma parsonii (Cuvier, 1824), is a testament to the collaborative nature of early zoological exploration.
James Parsons: The Inspiration Behind the Name
James Parsons, an Irish naturalist and physician, played an integral role in documenting the natural world during the 18th century. Parsons referred to the chameleon in his writings as Chameleon rarissima, noting its rarity and distinctiveness. His work showcased his curiosity and dedication to understanding the biodiversity of far-off regions such as Madagascar, though he himself never visited the island.
Parsons, born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1705, was a man of diverse interests. As a trained physician, he made significant contributions to medical literature, but his passion for natural history was equally remarkable. He was an active member of the Royal Society and corresponded with leading naturalists of his time. His meticulous observations and descriptions of animals contributed to a growing European awareness of Madagascar's unique fauna. The decision to name the species after Parsons reflects the recognition of his scientific legacy.
Georges Cuvier: His Scientific Contributions
Georges Cuvier was a towering figure in 19th-century science. Renowned as the father of comparative anatomy and paleontology, he developed key principles that helped define biological taxonomy. In Le Règne Animal (1824), he sought to classify the entire animal kingdom with meticulous precision, integrating observations from living and extinct species. His foundational ideas, particularly around functional morphology, influenced generations of zoologists and taxonomists. Through his extensive work, Cuvier expanded the understanding of biodiversity, providing insights into the evolutionary relationships between organisms. His lasting impact is reflected in the countless taxa described and classified in his monumental studies.
The Genus Calumma: John Edward Gray's Contribution
The genus Calumma was established by British zoologist John Edward Gray in 1865. The name derives from the Greek word "καλύμμα" (kalymma), meaning "cover" or "veil," likely in reference to the prominent casque or crest seen in certain chameleons, including Calumma parsonii. Gray, who worked at the British Museum, was instrumental in cataloging numerous reptile species and remains a key figure in herpetology.
Erroneous Spelling of the Scientific Epithet
It is important to note that the species epithet parsonii is actually an orthographic error. Proper Latinization of James Parsons' name should have resulted in the epithet parsonsi, not parsonii. However, under Article 32.5.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), such errors in original spelling are to be preserved if they are found in the original published description and are not demonstrably intentional. Since Cuvier's original description used parsonii, this erroneous spelling remains the correct and official epithet for the species.
Further clarification was provided by George Albert Boulenger in 1887, who emended the name to Chamaeleon parsonsii in his work Catalogue of the Lizards in the British Museum (Vol. 3, p. 466). This amendment corrected the generic assignment from Cuvier's original Chamaeleo parsonii. While Boulenger's emendation acknowledged the orthographic inconsistency, the ICZN rules mandate that the original spelling, parsonii, must remain valid as it was not demonstrably intentional. Boulenger's contributions to herpetology, including his detailed taxonomic revisions, remain invaluable to the field.
Proper Spelling of the English Name
The correct English name for this species is "Parsons' Chameleon." This is because the name reflects possession by James Parsons, the Irish naturalist after whom the species is named. The spelling "Parson's Chameleon," which is sometimes seen, is incorrect and does not align with standard grammatical usage. By using "Parsons'," the name honors the individual's legacy while adhering to proper linguistic conventions.
References
Boulenger, G. A. (1887) Catalogue of the Lizards in the British Museum, Vol. 3, p. 466.
Cuvier G (1824). Recherches sur les ossemens fossiles, où l'on rétablit les charactères de plusieurs animaux dont les révolutions du globe ont détruit les espèces, Nouvelle édition, Tome cinquième, IIe Partie [= Volume 5, Part 2]. Paris: Dufour & l'Ocagne. 547 pp. + Plates I-XXXIII. (Chamaeleo parsonii, new species, p. 269 + Plate XVI, figures 30 & 31).
Gray, J. E. (1865) Catalogue of Shield Reptiles in the Collection of the British Museum. London: Taylor and Francis, pp. 48–50.
International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (1999). International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, Fourth Edition. London: The International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature, pp. 99–102.
Parsons, J. (1768). An account of a particular species of Cameleon. – Philosophical Transactions, 58: 192–195.
Original paper of Parsons (1768):
