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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HUNDREDS OF HOT AIR BALLOONS DECORATE TURKISH SKY

HUNDREDS of hot air balloons decorate the sky above Turkey as the rising sun illuminates the spectacular scenery below .

PLAYFUL ELEPHANTS MAKE A SPLASH

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STUNNING ENGLISH COASTAL LANDSCAPES

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AMAZING LANDSCAPES

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AMAZING THUNDERSTORM LIGHTS UP THE SARDINIAN COAST

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NINJA RED SQUIRREL

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STABBED BY SON

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RIVET-ING ALL WOOD TOWER

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FREEZING MANATEES STRUGGLE TO STAY WARM

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BODYBUILDER SQUIRREL

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UNDERWATER DIVING DOGS

WITH A STERN look of determination on their faces, these adorable pooches perfect their doggy paddle as they dive head first into a swimming pool .