# Only adult male chameleons change color > Only adult male chameleons change color, especially when they see a rival male chameleon they want to chase away, or a female to attract, Milinkovitch said. Females and young chameleons are dull-colored and have a very reduced upper layer of iridophore cells, he said. ## Road sign - [[Chameleons]] --- Source: [Scientific American](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-secret-to-chameleons-ability-to-change-color/)