This striking sphinx moth—likely belonging to the genus Xylophanes—a fascinating large moth active around dusk, at night, or near dawn to feed on flower nectar. It is an absolute master of the air, capable of hovering effortlessly in mid-motion and executing sudden, dizzying maneuvers in every direction, including sideways. As it darts from bloom to bloom to feed on nectar, its sheer size and dazzling aerial agility often create a brilliant optical illusion. In the jungle it is frequently mistaken for a hummingbird, sharing the exact same flight mechanics and feeding behavior as its avian lookalike. I managed to capture this impressive specimen while it was momentarily resting on a leaf during my very first journey into the Ecuadorian Amazon.