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
With the vivid red smoke billowing into the sky amid the misty sand dunes, these are the blissful views provided at the break of dawn at a volcano .
A grand 56-bedroom hotel, once heaving with injured soldiers during the First World War, now lies completely abandoned .
Throwing their arms up in the air, these energetic squirrels play a game of ball with a walnut .
Armed with a snorkel, flippers and her skimpy bikini, an intrepid female free diver swims alongside an array of reef sharks .
SNUGGLED up in the hay away from the elements, this adorable hoglet has sought solace with a familiar friend .
At first glance what might look like ordinary rusty bridge and road railings, are in fact amazing works of art .
A BLIND man was battered with a brick in a sickening attack by two thugs .
COVERING themselves in ash and face paint, these are the holy men who live their lives away from everyday society .
THIS alien-like bug would look more at home in outer-space but it can actually be found wriggling around here on Earth .
PERCHED on a branch, these two frogs hold hands as they look into the camera .
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
HOPPING onto the scales, these adorable baby Humboldt penguins are ready for their first weigh-in .