The Rare Red Head Colouration in the Mating Males of Calumma oshaughnessyi

The elaborate mating rituals of O'Shaughnessy's chameleons feature an impressive display of vibrant colors, particularly during courtship. Males are capable of exhibiting rare colorations, such as the striking red hue that may appear on their heads during this period. This transformation is short-lived but remarkable; typically, their heads are a muted whitish colour, yet they can shift to a vivid brick red cheeks and horns combined with turquoise chin, when they are ready to mate. This change in coloration is likely a signal to females, indicating their readiness and desirability for reproduction. Such dynamic displays underscore the complex interactions and communication methods among chameleons during mating season.