The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/20/09 Section: Variety

Media Credit: JIM DIFFLY Graduate student Paul Wilkes poses for a picture with his pet panther chameleon, Peatree. Wilkes says that he can tell Peatree's mood by his color changes. [Click to enlarge]

Panther chameleon Peatree's tie-dyed body is a little like a reptile mood ring that only has three colors: mad, territorial and "I'm in my cage" happy.

But, for owner Paul Wilkes, his beauty and grace make up for the unfriendliness, especially towards stuffed Victoria's Secret dogs.

"You see, the dog is a bright color, so that will kind of trigger his color change because he thinks it's another male chameleon in his area," Wiles said.

"When he is mad he will turn a little darker colors, but if he is defensive or scared, he will puff up his throat and turn much brighter."

According to Wilkes, its a common misconception that chameleons change colors in order to blend into their background and hide. It is more based on their moods and how visible or intimidating they want to appear.

"He is always scanning and darting his eyes around for aerial predators, so when my hand comes at him from above he will puff up his throat to look bigger and open his mouth, but he usually never bites," he said. "He does have some serious teeth in there that, if he wanted to get a good bite in, could make you need some stitches."

However, it is difficult to imagine Peatree moving fast enough to chomp down on a finger. According to Wilkes, his full-speed motion is about an inch every 3 to 4 seconds.

"He isn't like a dog so he doesn't do tricks or respond to his name, but I think it is more about the challenge of taking care of reptiles that draws me in. And they are beautiful."

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