WITH the phosphorescent blobs and mesmerising patterns, these spectacular images may look like the hall marks of an enchanted forest but it is in fact the scene of thousands of dancing FIREFLIES. The luminous green lights that glow from the insects help to give the impression of an extract from a fairy-tale. The magical photographs were taken by photographer Takaaki Ishikawa, 55, on a trip to Nagoya City in Japan. 'Fireflies are very delicate creatures, so it is important to not catch or disturb them,' said Takaaki
SAT ON top of a Brazilian turtle’s head, this little ladybird looks content as he studies his environment from a new height .
LEAPING through the air this determined little mouse is on a mission for food .
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .
With an abandoned tricycle sitting in an empty corridor, this derelict but once grand mansion could be the setting for The Shining .
A BLIND man was battered with a brick in a sickening attack by two thugs .
A little caterpillar fearlessly scampers down a branch and confronts a praying mantis .
ARM extended and head flung back, this little chipmunk performs a loose-limbed yoga move .
BEHIND the doors of this building, with its stacks of mattresses and discarded remains of wheelchairs, lies another victim of austerity cuts .
STRETCHING his little legs in the air, a smiley leaf-tailed gecko breaks free from his old, scaly skin .
RACING through the mountain range on horseback, the Kazakh people practice their ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles .
A fox takes a tumble and lands on his head when he tries to fend off a pair of eagles in Japan .
CLIMBING, falling and tugging on his weary mum, this little orangutan is up to all kinds of trouble .