The nominate form, C. rudis rudis is indigenous to Uganda, Rwanda and northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.; Zaire). C. rudis schoutendeni is found in the the Kabobo Mountains of the eastern D.R.C. C. rudis schubotzi is reported only on Mt. Kenya (Kenya) and C. rudis sternfeldi in Tanzania. C. rudis is a montane species, inhabiting low bushes and grasses of the alpine zone.

The dorsal crest is small and irregular while the gular crest has an even, serrated appearance. Males exhibit a small rostral process. The casque is relatively small and lacks occipital lobes. Total length to 6-7 inches. Body scalation is only moderately heterogeneous. Coloration varies from green to reddish brown.

Contributed by E. Pollak

References
Klaver, C. & W. Boehme. 1997. Chamaeleonidae. Das Tierreich, 112: i-xiv' 1 - 85. Verlag Walter de Gruyter & Co., Berlin, New York.
Martin, J., 1992. Masters of Disguise: A Natural History of Chameleons. Facts On File, Inc., New York, NY.
Necas, P. 1999. Chameleons: Nature's Hidden Jewels. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, FL.

Spawls, S., Howell, K., Drewes, R., and Ashe, J. 2002. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa. Academic Press, New York.