Beautifully lit macro pictures of insects by Dutch photographer Leon Baas

A ladybird is pictured at the water's edge in this picture taken by Dutch photographer Leon Baas. Leon has developed his own style of brightly coloured macro photography over eight years. He has snapped ants, snails, water beetles, crickets and damselflies - all beautifully lit in his distinctive style

"The shot of the flying ladybird was a once in a lifetime photograph. I am very happy with it and do not think it will ever happen again," says Leon

Leon says he researches the creatures he hopes to photograph before leaving home so he can try to predict their behaviour and anticipate the best shots. A tiny ant looks towards Leon's camera

An ant tries to find its way to dry ground after the rain

A snail trying to find a way across water in Leon's garden

Two spiders walk down a plant stem

A spider picks its way over petals

An ant is illuminated with a purple glow

Two water beetles

A praying mantis against a dramatic background.