THE ENCHANTING FOREST OF FIREFLIES

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

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STRIPED MARLIN SPEARS ITS CATCH

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SNOOZING SEAL PUP

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THIRD WHEEL OWL

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PEEKABOO SQUIRRELS EMERGE FROM THEIR NEST

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SLEEPING IN THE MOONLIGHT

With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .

GOING IN FOR THE GILL

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DOG SO CLOSE TO DEATH AFTER SWALLOWING NEEDLE

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UNUSUAL FRIENDSHIP

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GRANDMOTHER KICKED OFF FLIGHT FOR ASSAULT AFTER TOUCHING ATTENDANTS ARM

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MESMERISING FUNGI

With luminous colours and alien- like features, these magical mushrooms look like they belong on another planet .

KRYPONITE BEACH

LUMINOUS green rocks could easily be a beach from Superman's homeland of Krypton .