THIS orange bundle of joy is where life begins for the most feared predator in the insect world. These little larvae are minute-old praying mantis taking their first cautious steps and trying their best not to become a snack. But one day it will be these youngsters who are doing all the snacking. In just a few months they will grow into formidable hunters up to 12-inches long and capable of taking down flies, moths and crickets. Macro photographer Nordin Seruyan, 37, captured the rarely seen birth in the lush tropical forests of Seruyan, central Borneo. “At first I thought it was a collection of dried leaves,” said the father-of-two, who spotted the insects on land at the back of his home. “They were stacked in one egg and it contained hundreds of larvae. “When I shot them they went one by one from the herd. “They then go to continue their lives alone and do not return to the nest." The praying mantis – which is named after the shape of its prominent front legs which are held in a prayer-like position – are ambush predators. Using camouflage to hide amongst leaves and twigs, they can turn their heads 180 degrees to spot prey before striking with reflexes so quick they are difficult to see with the naked eye. As well as devouring flies and grasshoppers, many praying mantis are also cannibals – and some females eat males after mating. Mr Seruyan, who has been photographing insects for four years, said it was the first time he had ever seen their birth. He added: “I have been looking for similar images online but I have never seen one like it. “I think I could be the first man to capture this moment.”