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Coral-tailed cloud wing

Coral-tailed cloud wing

Tholymis tillarga

A species of Tholymis, Also known as Twister, Old world twister, Foggy-winged twister

The coral-tailed cloud wing (Tholymis tillarga) is known for having a wide variety of interesting names that include the Old world twister. However, the "cloud wing" name is the most identifiable due to the cloudy section of their hindwing. It has a bright, red abdomen and frequents around humid areas so that it may produce offspring in standing pools of water.

General Info About Coral-tailed cloud wing
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Attributes of Coral-tailed cloud wing
Colors
Brown
Red
Blue
Habitat
pond; swamp; lake
Adult Food Sources
Flies, mosquitoes, butterflies, moths, other small flying insects
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic invertebrates, zooplankton, mosquito larvae, tadpoles, other small insect larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Coral-tailed cloud wing is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Coral-tailed cloud wing typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Coral-tailed cloud wing
It is found from tropical West Africa to Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
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Distribution Area of Coral-tailed cloud wing
Tropical West Africa to Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands
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Life Cycle of Coral-tailed cloud wing
Egg The rounded eggs of coral-tailed cloud wing are typically laid in water or on vegetation near water. They are hardly visible and remain static, undergoing changes internally as the embryo develops.
Naiad As naiads, coral-tailed cloud wing are aquatic predators. They feature extendable mouthparts and lack wings. They grow by molting several times and their size and predatory efficiency increase with each molt.
Subimago Coral-tailed cloud wing in the subadult stage, also known as naiads or nymphs, continue to reside in water. They closely resemble adults but are smaller and still lack developed wings and reproductive organs.
Adult Emerging from the final molt, the adult coral-tailed cloud wing has fully developed wings and reproductive organs. Their body coloration is often bright and sexually dimorphic, and they leave water to feed and mate.
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Adult Size of Coral-tailed cloud wing
4.5 - 4.5 cm
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Predators of Coral-tailed cloud wing Larvae
Aquatic beetles, fish, backswimmers, water scorpions, tadpoles, other predatory insects
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Predators of Adult Coral-tailed cloud wing
Birds, spiders, frogs, lizards, bats, robber flies, other odonates
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Interesting Facts About Coral-tailed cloud wing
Unique to coral-tailed cloud wing is their ability to fly backwards, making them agile aerial acrobats with a distinctive maneuverability among flying insects.
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Scientific Classification of Coral-tailed cloud wing
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Coral-tailed cloud wing
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Youth Habitat of Coral-tailed cloud wing
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Coral-tailed cloud wing
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats, Grasslands and Prairies, Savannas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Coral-tailed cloud wing
Setting up an artificial pond or water source, as coral-tailed cloud wing are attracted to bodies of water where they can lay eggs or hunt for prey.
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Habitat Preferences of Coral-tailed cloud wing Through Different Life Stages
The naiads coral-tailed cloud wing are primarily aquatic, inhabiting various freshwater bodies such as ponds, still backwaters, and marshes, often with abundant vegetation. Meanwhile, juvenile coral-tailed cloud wing, having emerged from the water, may be found in nearby vegetation where they complete their development. Adults coral-tailed cloud wing display a preference for the edges of those same bodies of water, frequently perching on twigs, stones, or directly on the ground. To locate these stages, one would explore pond margins, marshes, and slow-flowing streams, carefully examining submerged plants, floating debris, and the surrounding terrestrial vegetation. It is essential to proceed quietly and observantly, as coral-tailed cloud wing can be elusive and sensitive to movement.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Coral-tailed cloud wing
Late morning to afternoon on warm, sunny days is the best time to observe coral-tailed cloud wing, as they are cold-blooded and rely on sunlight to regulate their body temperature.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Coral-tailed cloud wing
Calm, warm days with little to no wind are ideal for finding coral-tailed cloud wing, as they prefer to fly and hunt in stable weather conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Coral-tailed cloud wing at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of coral-tailed cloud wing are typically laid in or near water. To find them, inspect the edges of ponds or the surfaces of aquatic plants for clusters of tiny, oval-shaped eggs.
Naiad Coral-tailed cloud wing naiads live in water. Look for them by gently stirring the sediment at the bottom of shallow ponds or by examining submerged vegetation.
Adult To find emerging coral-tailed cloud wing, search for them in the early morning on vegetation near water bodies, where they climb to undergo metamorphosis into adult coral-tailed cloud wing.
Adult coral-tailed cloud wing can be found near water sources, such as ponds or streams, where they hunt for insects. They are often seen perching on vegetation or patrolling the water's surface. Use binoculars and move slowly to avoid startling them.
Are Coral-tailed cloud wing harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Coral-tailed cloud wing
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Small Flying Insects
Coral-tailed cloud wing demonstrates remarkable hunting skills both as a naiad and as an adult. In the naiad stage, it is aquatic and hunts for small water organisms. Transitioning to adulthood, it takes to the air to feed itself, skillfully capturing mosquitoes and other insects mid-flight. This species is known for its agile flying abilities and precise hunting tactics.
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