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 brave leopard kicks back and relaxes in the sunshine - just inches from an enormous crocodile .
Like a scene from a fairytale, THOUSANDS of fireflies create an enchanting glow as they dance in a forest .
EAGERLY BITING his nails, this little squirrel is clearly nervous of looming predators as he searches for his meal .
STARING intently into the camera, a polar bear appears to be lost in thought while relaxing in the snow .
SNUGGLED up in the hay away from the elements, this adorable hoglet has sought solace with a familiar friend .
OFFERING a glimpse into the past, a mash-up of old and new photographs show how the world’s biggest cities have changed .
SWIMMING slowly towards the shore, a small group of bottlenose dolphins arrive for breakfast at a beach in Western Australia .
These are the men with one of the most unpleasant jobs in the world .
IN a galaxy not so far away lies a magical display of lights that could be the latest image from NASA .
FROM the rolling hills of the Scottish highlands to looming chalk cliffs in Sussex, these stunning photographs capture the spectacular beauty of Great Britain .
A soap bubble lands on the frosty ground and creates a shimmering snow globe as crystals form around it .
THIS alien-like bug would look more at home in outer-space but it can actually be found wriggling around here on Earth .