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
A little brown bear cub shows his doting mum that she is always on parent duty as he uses her as a scratching post .
Beautiful turquoise waves rise and fall in a series of stunning images taken along the coastline of south-eastern Australia .
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 group of otters put on a show of aqua aerobics, as they raise their flippers perfectly in sync .
BLOWING bubbles underwater, this adorable polar bear slides into his tank for a playful dip .
Grandmother Janet Kirby was told she couldn't board her plane home after being accused of assault .
LIKE A living balloon this baitball of sardines is ready to burst when threatened by a pointy nosed sailfish .
SITTING quietly at the edge of the lake, these two baby bears watch and learn as the adults hunt for fish .
Sprawled out on top of a log, this sleeping leopard takes a relaxing break from his daily routine .
THESE LOVE BIRDS can’t keep their beaks off each other as they share a very public display of affection .
BRAIDED, sculpted and beaded, these are the eye-catching hairstyles worn by the tribal women of Angola .
Primed and ready for action, this collection of striking images from the battlefield could be mistaken for authentic photos taking during World War II .