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
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
Staring death in the face, a little field mouse bravely confronts a hungry cat .
DASHING through the snow, this little stoat is on the lookout for a Christmas feast .
ARMED with her camera, bikini and flippers, this brave diver goes swimming with SHARKS .
A diver looks like a minnow as she swims alongside a gigantic whale shark, the largest species of fish on the planet .
NEW DELHI, A woman activist of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party crosses a police barricade near the residence of ruling Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi during a protest against the recent rape of a five-year-old girl in New Delhi, India, April 21, 2013 .
LOCATIONS bursting with vibrant greens and chestnut browns, these photographs capture the peaceful English countryside in all its glory .
TRYING their best to wriggle away, three adorable tiger cubs receive their health checks at Chester Zoo .
SQUABBLING over the last piece of grain, these hungry squirrels are determined to stock up on as much food as possible .
An Italian photographer travelled to Chile where he visited several star-gazing sites, home to some of the world's most advanced telescopes, located in the spectacular setting of the Atacama desert .
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .
