How do chameleon bodies know what color to change to and when to change to it?

Question

How do chameleon bodies know what color to change to and when to change to it?

In: 145

Answer 1

It’s a mood thing ..I had a male chameleon once. He was grumpy but nice to look at. If I ever had to handle him for any reason he’d turn either dark brown or black. Thinking back, it sorta fit but man he’d snack on your finger if you weren’t careful

Edit: It wasn’t to play with him but there are time I’d have to pick him up or simply be cleaning his terrarium while he sat angry in the corner.