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
UNDERWATER and above-water seaside shots show the best of British beach-life .
FROM COLOURFUL autumn leaves to living trees at first glance you might miss these people blended with nature .
Fetching a tiny carrot and a head-shaped snowball, a red squirrel builds the perfect snowman .
THE CRAZE for mimicking the video game Streetfighter has spread to the streets of London .
NEVER mind being careful not to choke on your food, this mother bird has a bigger challenge on her hands, as her ravenous offspring impatiently launches its head down into her stomach .
A lazy tree frog, tired of hopping along a branch, chooses the slowest form of transport when it jumps on top of an unsuspecting snail .
Peering curiously into a basket hanging off the arms of a snowman, this little squirrel appears fascinated by the snowy figure .
A tiny puppy who lost his front legs after being hit by a train has been given and new LEASH of life with a set of wheels .
DIVING boffins fired harpoons into 30-foot-long whale sharks in a bid to put the sea-beasts on Google Maps .
Gigantic 100ft waves create the perfect playground for dare-devil surfers from across the world .
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .
BURSTING from the water, a beautiful but deadly Sumatran tiger jumps for food in an Indonesian zoo .