[2] In their micro-CT scans, Scherz et al.[3] found that the scales of G. megalepis and other species have the same degree of x-ray attenuation as bone, and concluded that this suggested the presence of osteoderm as well.

[8][7] These studies showed that it is not only the scales that are shed in the 'dermolytic autotomy' of Geckolepis, but rather, there is a preformed splitting zone between the integument and the underlying connective tissue.

They also showed that the dermolytic process is an active one, wherein a network of myofibroblasts in the splitting zone probably contract, followed by vasoconstriction to minimise blood loss.

[8] Their findings were questioned by Aaron M. Bauer and colleagues, but only based on comparative evidence from other geckos, which all have splitting zones within the integument, and not below it.

[14] In 2017, Scherz et al. (2017) described G. megalepis from the limestone pinnacle karst formations of Ankarana National Park—this species has larger scales than all other members of the genus, but it was also identified based on its osteology.