A new species of gecko has been discovered which leaves its predators a tearaway skin when they are attacked. This fish-scale gecko has large scales that detach from its body with ease. This ability is not common to many lizards who just detach their tails when threatened by more powerful and more intimidating predators.
Scientists called this newly-discovered gecko as Geckolepis megalepis. The surface of their skin can adapt to tearing. They also have large scales connected by a narrow region that detaches easily. A so-called splitting zone can also be found within the skin itself.
The Geckolepis megalepis also has the ability to recover their scales without any scar in a matter of weeks. Other geckos take longer periods of recovery in regenerating their scales. They can actively and swiftly lose their skin upon being firmly grasped. This is the reason why compared to other geckos and reptiles, it can be concluded that the geckolepis megalepis has very high survival rate despite different threats that loom in their habitat.
According to the BBC, the scales of the Geckolepis megalepis marks easily to the minds of experts because of its relatively huge scales. Furthermore, experts claim that their larger scales detach much easier than the smaller ones. The large scales occupy greater surface area which is very important to its attachment area friction from the skin surface.
Live Science further added that the scales of this newly-discovered gecko can range to about 0.2 inches or 5.8 millimeters. This comprises about 8 percent of the gecko's body length. Mark Scherz, the study's lead author, is a doctoral candidate at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and Zoologische Staatssammlung München.
Recently, robotics engineer Anthony Roy from Caltech has created a strapless brasserie utilizing gecko's hair-like structures from its feet. This helps the bra stick comfortably to a lady's intimate parts. It also doesn’t cause any form of irritation.
