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
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 .
THESE LOVE BIRDS can’t keep their beaks off each other as they share a very public display of affection .
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and for this greedy camel he can't get enough of his morning feed, as he gate crashes his owner's mealtime .
HIDDEN in the middle of the Mojave Desert, a secret oasis awaits intrepid travellers .
BALANCING on top of a tree, this bear cub puts her climbing skills to the test .
NATURE PAPARAZZIS prove you don't have to be Justin Bieber or Cheryl Cole to attract a pack of photographers .
These beautiful photographs show how these playful pods of dolphins make their own fun by gliding, flipping and spinning through the air whilst enjoying the sun on their backs .
A little caterpillar fearlessly scampers down a branch and confronts a praying mantis .
A hungry hippo is seconds away from catching a bird in its gigantic jaws .
Primed and ready for action, this collection of striking images from the battlefield could be mistaken for authentic photos taking during World War II .