As night falls, the nocturnal creatures of the tropical rainforest awaken. Life in the rainforest is filled with opportunities, but also with danger. Four different species of brightly colored geckos call the Hainan tropical rainforest home.

This healthy, active Hainan Leopard Gecko is roving through the rainforest looking for something to eat. The gecko decides to take on a whip scorpion despite the arachnid’s intimidating spiky tail and thick carapace. The fight is on.

The gecko sneaks up quietly, then leaps forward in a lightning attack. The whip scorpion, however, with keen senses and an acute awareness of danger, is not easy prey. In a flash, it escapes deep into the rainforest. The mighty hunter has failed.

Every battle brings greater wisdom. Here in the rainforest however, the predator can become prey at any moment.

Due to overwhelming hunger, this Bawangling Leopard Gecko has unknowingly blundered into centipede territory. Centipedes and geckos are natural enemies. The fierce centipede is delighted to have a meal delivered to its doorstep, and doesn’t waste the opportunity. It moves in to attack immediately.

The sudden strike throws the gecko into a panic, but instinct soon takes over. It’s not about to just roll over and die. There’s only one way to survive. The gecko has to sacrifice its tail.

Although the pain is nearly unbearable, the gecko makes a successful escape. Looking back at the centipede devouring its tail, it sighs in relief and slinks away. Today, the gecko was lucky enough to live to tell the tale.

Every encounter between predator and prey brings the hunter valuable experience, but could also just as easily mean the end of the line. This young Zhou’s Leopard Gecko is clearly unexperienced and blissfully unaware of the approaching danger.

Luck has abandoned this young predator, and after a brief struggle, it becomes prey for the centipedes.