Taxonomic status: Furcifer lateralis major has been suggested to be a separate species, F. major, but that status has not been formalized and Klaver and Boehme (1997) consider it to be a subspecies of F. lateralis.  The original specimens of F. major may, in fact, have been only some unusually large specimens of F. lateralis males (approximately 12 inches) from western Madagascar (Henkel and Schmidt, 1995). In contrast, most specimens of F. lateralis lateralis males from more southern regions reach lengths of only 8 inches. Females tend to me slightly smaller in both populations.

Identification: Coloration is primarily bright green and both sexes are characterized by a white ventral line with three or four dark circles on the flanks. The eye turrets are flecked with turquoise colored scales. Males are easily identified by their enlarged hemipenal bulge. The females are more colorful than the males, particularly during gestation. The head bears a low casque with no occipital lobes. A small crest of conical scales is present on the throat, underside and dorsum. There are no horns or other rostral appendages. Squamation is homogenous.

Distribution: F. lateralis major  is found in the southwestern coastal areas of Madagascar .

Captive Care: The majors are very shy and do well in densely planted terraria. Due to the reserved nature of these animals, handling is not recommended. Both sexes are territorial and should be housed separately. Males are very active, patrolling their territories and should be provided a large cage for their wellbeing (i.e. 20”x20”x36” or larger). The females are a little more calm and can be kept in something slightly smaller (i.e.: 18”x18”x30”), but still large enough to provide a proper temperature gradient. Basking spot temperatures should be 80º-85ºF with ambient temperatures into the 70’s. Cooler room temperatures are well tolerated at night and no supplemental heating is needed. High humidity is crucial for the species and should not drop any lower than 80%. 90-100% is recommended. A proper egg laying container should be provided for the females as they will produce eggs whether bred or not.

 Breeding: Properly kept females will cycle upwards of six times a year. Receptivity is marked by a pronounced bright yellow background colour with pink eye turrets and lips along with blue flecks on the cheeks and flanks. Females remain receptive for 3 or 4 days and should be introduced to the males’ enclosure for mating. Supervision is recommended during these times in case of excessive aggression from either party. Copulation lasts 10 to 20 minutes and can be attempted many times a day. Once a female is gravid, she becomes aggressive and stressed in the presence of the male and should be returned to her own cage. Gravid females sport bright pinks, greens and blues on a black background. The time from copulation to laying is typically 30-40 days. On average 10 to 20 eggs are deposited in a shallow hole dug by the female. Female will become receptive once again approximately 20 days after laying. Sperm retention has been noted and clutches produced from retained sperm is not uncommon.

Incubation: Fertilized eggs should be kept between 65º and 70º F for the first six weeks. After this point a slight drop in temperatures (into the lower 60’s) for another six to eight weeks will simulate diapause. After that, temperatures may be very slowly brought up to 68º-75º F. Total incubation times average nine  months. Hatchlings are about two inches total length. They sport a gray color but turn to the adult green at about six months of age. Hatchlings are very hardy and accept most commercially available feeder insects once their yolk sacs are fully absorbed. Babies can be raised in groups but individual rearing is recommended to monitor individual growth and appetites. Males are easily sexed right out of the egg by the hemipenal bulge but this difference isn’t as apparent after the first week. Sexing, once again, becomes easy after about 6 weeks of age. Sexual maturity occurs at about six months of age. 

Contributed by Tracey Cress