Fingernail-size scales slide right off the newfound gecko species. G. megalepis is thought to have the largest body scales of any gecko, which means that even a relatively minor scuffle can result in major armor losses. Scientists have only once seen this defense mechanism in the wild — when a larger, nocturnal gecko tried to turn G. megalepis into dinner. After a battle that lasted just 30 seconds, G. megalepis shrugged off some of its armor like you might a robe and then high-tailed it out of the fray. To solve the problem, the researchers submitted preserved G. megalepis specimens to micro-CT scans.

Source: Washington Post February 07, 2017 16:13 UTC