"Pinocchio Chameleon" Reclassified After 150 Years; Second Species Found in Madagascar

• Scientists reclassified the "Pinocchio Chameleon" as a distinct species after 150 years, using DNA analysis to correct a long-standing misidentification.
• A second hidden species, Calumma hofreiteri, was also discovered among museum specimens, previously mistaken due to similar elongated nasal features.
• The discoveries utilized a "museomics" approach, extracting DNA from historical specimens, some dating back to 1836, to clarify evolutionary relationships.
• The study highlights that superficial anatomy can mislead classification, with genetic analysis revealing hidden diversity and the role of sexual selection in nasal variations.
• Madagascar now officially hosts 100 chameleon species, underscoring the importance of combining genetics with traditional taxonomy for accurate identification, conservation, and evolutionary studies.

Why It Matters: DNA analysis corrects misclassifications, revealing hidden species & aiding conservation.