Brookesia micra, also known as the Nosy Hara leaf chameleon, is a chameleon species native to Madagascar’s Antsiranana islet.
Until the discovery of the even smaller B. nana in 2021, it was the smallest known chameleon and among the smallest reptiles at the time of its discovery. Adult B. micra can reach a length of 29 mm (1.1 in).
A team of researchers led by Frank Glaw of the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology identified and named Brookesia micra.
For the past eight years, Glaw and his colleagues have been leading expeditions into the Malagasy jungles.
Brookesia sp. “Nosy Hara” was the name given to members of the species by Glaw and Vences in 2007.
Brookesia micra is a species that was only recently discovered. They dwell on the island of Nosy Hara in Madagascar.
They are one of the tiniest chameleons ever discovered, measuring only one inch from nose to tail. During the day, they are busy and spend time among leaf litters, but at night, they make the high 4 inch climb to the tops of tree branches to sleep.
They may utilize their tail as an extra leg, similar to how a peg leg works. They are usually grey, brown, and have a few orange markings near their tail. They have the ability to change color when they are stressed. Small fruit flies and white flies are their primary food sources.
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