Smallest Adult Reptile Discovered

Well that is odd. The smallest (adult) reptile ever discovered was found in Madagascar. It is called a nano-chameleon, even though I think of chameleons as lizards that can change color and this nano-chameleon cannot change colors.

It fascinates scientists because the general theory is that on vertebrates (mammals and reptiles) grow in size from juveniles, but this little guy does not. As we vertebrates evolved we increased in size, apparently somebody forgot to tell this guy the rules.

The CNN story has a (fairly) easily understandable set of information on this - most other sites skin over the "why" this is so unique. 

Some highlights: 

• The female is about 33% bigger than the male. Presumably to be able to have eggs.
• When mating the male's penis extends out of his body much longer than expected, just to be able to reach the female.
• The live on the forest floor and eat mites, and hide in grass.
• They are limited to a small area in Madagascar which they are trying to protect (SM: Although they are so small, couldn't some be hiding in other areas?)

I also think it is interesting that they were found in 2012 by a group of scientist that went to Madagascar specifically to hunt for unknown species.  That is kind of cool. My college area (geography) doesn't really have anything new to discover on Earth. Now geologists (which is just historical geography), might find new information as ice melts around the globe, but not too much for Geographers.

Until next time then, live free little nano-chameleon, live free!

Reginald, shown at approximately 12 times life size.

PS - I named him Reginald and I have no idea what amount greater than life size this pic is.