Libellulidae (skimmer dragonflies) is the largest family of dragonflies with over 1,000 species in the world. With a nearly global distribution, these are most likely the dragonflies that the most frequently seen by people (Silsby, 2001; Akbar & Basukriadi, 2021). Tholymis is a small genus of dragonflies in the Libellulidae family. The genus contains only 2 species; Tholymis citrina (Evening Skimmer) and Tholymis tillarga (Coral-tailed Cloud Wing).

Tholymis tillarga has a medium-sized body that measures about 43 mm for male and 39 mm for female. The male of Tholymis tillarga can be recognized by the red colour on its body including thorax and abdomen with the presence of white patches on its hindwings. The white patches on its hindwings are particularly unique when in flight (Choong et al., 2018). The eyes are orange above and pale greenish yellow below. While the female has brownish yellow body without white patches on hindwings. Immature male looks similar to female (Tang et al., 2010). Both wings are transparent with the hindwings translucent brown near the base.

This species is widespread throughout tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia, Australia and Micronesia. It can be found in open habitats such as ponds, lakes or slow-flowing waters (Tang et al., 2010) and breeds in standing water-bodies.

Contrasting from most Odonata species which are active in day time on hot sunny day, the behaviour of Tholymis tillarga is slightly different where it is only active at dusk, 2-3 hours before the sunset until dark. It is found patrolling ponds and lakes actively. Sometimes, this dragonfly is attracted to artificial light at night. In day time, it hides in vegetation area perching by hanging down its body (Choong et al., 2018).

Tholymis tillarga is a very widespread and disturbance-tolerant species with no known major threats. Therefore, it is assessed by the IUCN Red List as Least Concern (Clausnitzer, 2016).