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
FROM COLOURFUL autumn leaves to living trees at first glance you might miss these people blended with nature .
LIKE SUPERMAN carrying a slimy Lois Lane through the air this frog is treating its mate to a flying lesson .
Playing, splashing and generally messing around, these polar bears show they certainly have a soft spot for the water, and not just each other .
Leaping out of the ocean, a group of gentoo penguins fly through the air before landing safely on an iceberg .
WIDE EYED with a huge smile across her face, this little elephant is a picture of happiness .
ROLLING around in the snow, these young brown bears take a break from their play fight to share a tender hug with one another .
It's incredible to think anyone could live in such horrendous squalor - yet two men have been prosecuted for keeping their homes in such revolting conditions that it was no longer fit for their animals .
SAT with his arms folded and a cross look on his face, this Gorilla looks like he's had enough of the Christmas holidays already .
POWERFUL bolts of lightning illuminate the night sky in an incredible autumn storm over the Sardinian coastline .
FLOATING effortlessly on his back, this little otter laps up a rare glimmer of English spring sunshine .
FROM a Kung-Fu professional to a mini incredible hulk, these are the babies you wouldn't want to mess with .
SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .