Chameleons have super-sticky saliva that enables them to catch prey a third of their own size. Scientists recently found that this liquid is about 400 times more viscous than human saliva, with a consistency similar to honey. The chameleon strikes in the blink of an eye. It first sticks out its tongue slowly. Then the muscles contract, building up energy that packs the punch behind the shot. After the initial acceleration, the back part of the tongue stretches quickly, unfolding like an accordion to reach its target. Then, once the mucous-covered tongue hits the bug, the tongue snaps back like an elastic rubber band. Prey consumed.
