No lie. The long-nosed Pinocchio chameleon is multiple species.
For nearly 150 years, the Pinocchio chameleon (Calumma gallus) has been a subject of fascination for zoologists, primarily due to its unique elongated nasal appendage that has drawn comparisons to the iconic Italian puppet. However, a groundbreaking study published in *Salamandra*, the German Journal of Herpetology, has revealed that this intriguing reptile is not a single species but rather a complex of multiple species. The research, conducted by a team at Germany’s Bavarian State Collections of Natural Histories, utilized innovative museomics techniques to analyze DNA sequences from historical specimens, some dating back to 1836. This genetic investigation unveiled significant taxonomic errors that have persisted for over a century, highlighting the need for modern methodologies in understanding biodiversity.
Historically, the Pinocchio chameleon, also known as the lance-nosed or blade chameleon, was first described in 1877. It is one of the many chameleon species endemic to Madagascar, an island that houses over 40% of the world’s known chameleon population. The distinctive features of these reptiles—such as their ballistic tongues, color-changing abilities, and independently moving eyes—make them remarkable creatures. The recent findings indicate that what was once considered variability in the shape and size of the chameleon’s nose is actually indicative of different species. The study identified two new species: Calumma pinocchio, which features a smooth-edged nasal appendage, and Calumma hofreiteri, alongside the previously recognized Calumma nasutum. This reclassification underscores the role of female mate selection in driving the evolution of these chameleons’ unique characteristics.
Despite the exciting revelations about their taxonomy, the news is tempered by the fact that Madagascar’s chameleon populations are facing significant threats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Pinocchio chameleon as endangered, reflecting broader concerns about habitat loss and environmental pressures on these unique reptiles. The study not only sheds light on the complexities of chameleon diversity but also emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect these fascinating species and their habitats. As researchers continue to apply modern genetic techniques to historical specimens, we can expect further discoveries that will enhance our understanding of biodiversity and the evolutionary history of these remarkable lizards.
For nearly 150 years, zoologists have taken the Pinocchio
chameleon
(
Caluma gallus
) at face value.. However, a recent reexamination detailed in
Salamandra, the German Journal of Herpetology
reveals that the chameleon is actually multiple species with elongated snouts worthy of the nickname.
Over 40 percent of the 236 known chameleon species around the world live on the island of
Madagascar
located off the East African coast. The reptiles are often recognizable for a variety of reasons, including their
ballistic tongue
they use to slurp up prey, their color changing abilities , and their independently mobile eyes that give them stereoscopic vision. But the male Pinocchio chameleon specifically possesses yet another striking trait: a bumpy and very lengthy nose.
Males of the new chameleon species Calumma pinocchio have a smooth-edged nasal appendage. Credit: Frank Glaw (ZSM/SNSB)
First described in 1877 and also known as the
lance-nosed or blade chameleon
,
C. gallus
was named after the Latin word for rooster. While an understandable comparison, the lizard eventually became more commonly known for its resemblance to the famous, fib-prone Italian marionette.
For decades, researchers knew that the shape and size of the Pinocchio chameleon’s nasal appendage fluctuated animal-to-animal, but believed that it was simply a unique physical quirk. Using a technique known as museomics, a team at Germany’s Bavarian State Collections of Natural Histories obtained and studied DNA sequences collected from the museum’s old specimens. One of these precious samples dated as far back as 1836. Only after traveling back through time via DNA did they realize the taxonomic error stretching back nearly a century-and-a-half.
“The genetic analyses are conclusive: the nose chameleons have virtually fooled previous research,” study coauthor Frank Glaw
said in a statement
.
Glaw explained that the team’s study also confirmed each chameleon’s nose can quickly change in terms of color, shape, and length.
“Their evolution is possibly driven by the respective preferences of females in mate selection,” he added.
Adult male of
Calumma nasutum
. This species is known since almost 190 years, but its true identity was uncovered only now by the application of modern genetic methods. Credit: Miguel Vences (TU Braunschweig)
As it stands today, some lizards previously considered to be
C. gallus
are now reclassified as
Calumma pinocchio
. Additionally, a second new species called
Calumma hofreiteri
has been established apart from another chameleon,
Calumma nasutum
.
“The study shows the great potential of the new museomics methods to correctly identify historically collected specimens especially in species complexes,” added Miguel Vences, study coauthor and zoologist at the Technical University of Braunschweig.
Although Madagascar’s total number of known chameleons now tops out at exactly 100 separate species, many of their actual populations continue to dwindle. Regardless of its taxonomy, the IUCN says the Pinocchio chameleon
remains endangered
.
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No lie. The long-nosed Pinocchio chameleon is multiple species.
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