The Cayenne forest tiger beetle (Odontocheila cayennensis) is a striking Neotropical beetle native to South and Central American rainforests. It belongs to a diverse group of swift, predatory insects noted for their brilliant metallic colors and fast running speeds. Unlike many ground beetles that prefer open, sunny paths, it prefers shaded tropical forest floors and vegetation. It is a fierce daytime predator that uses acute vision and incredible running speed to chase down other small insects. Individuals are sometimes found carrying small red mites on their thorax. These mites do not harm the beetle; instead, they use the fast-moving insect for transport to new locations, a commensal behavior known as phoresy. I encountered this striking, medium-sized tiger beetle during my very first photography excursion into the Amazon rainforest, and was lucky enough it stayed immobile for a few seconds, allowing me to take some stunning photos.