[4] Its generic name (Furcifer) is derived from the Latin root furci meaning "forked" and refers to the shape of the animal's feet.

[7] The English word chameleon (also chamaeleon) derives from Latin chamaeleō, a borrowing of the Ancient Greek χαμαιλέων (khamailéōn), a compound of χαμαί (khamaí) "on the ground" and λέων (léōn) "lion".

Panther chameleons from the areas of Nosy Be, Ankify, and Ambanja are typically a vibrant blue, and those from Ambilobe, Antsiranana, and Sambava are red, green or orange.

[13] Panther chameleons have very long tongues (sometimes longer than their own body length) which they are capable of rapidly extending out of the mouth to capture prey, which is mostly terrestrial invertebrates and very rarely, plant material.

[14] Once the tip sticks to a prey item, it is drawn quickly back into the mouth, where the panther chameleon's strong jaws crush it and it is consumed.

[15] Panther chameleons are native to Madagascar; this species is widespread in lowland areas of the eastern and northeastern sections of the country.

[4] Panther chameleons are facultative thermoregulators, and therefore when in need to be warmed they bask in sunlight or in captivity, lamp light.

[4] When gravid, or carrying eggs, females turn dark brown or black with orange striping to signify to males they have no intention of mating.

[19] This species is highly sought after for the international pet trade due to its coloration, large size, and readiness to breed in captivity.