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Scientists in Switzerland say they have discovered how a chameleon changes its colour. They say it is down to light reflecting off spots under the skin, similar to how a compact disc catches light, producing a rainbow effect.

Professor Dirk van der Marel from the University of Geneva said the common belief that chameleons change colour to blend into their backgrounds is an "urban myth".

He said the colour change is influenced by hormones, meaning during combat or whilst attracting a mate they change colour to red, which makes them more likely to "stand out a bit more against a background".

Video courtesy of the University of Geneva and report authors: Teyssier, Saenko, van der Marel & Milinkovitch.

This clip is originally from 5 live Breakfast on Thursday 12 March 2015.