Representing a large and robust taxon within the family Sphingidae, this nocturnal lepidopteran is characterized by an impressive wingspan that ranges from 110 to 140 mm. The dorsal surface of the forewings displays a highly cryptic pattern composed of mottled shades of grey, dark brown, and white, which perfectly mimics the texture and coloration of tree bark, providing exceptional camouflage against diurnal predators. Conversely, the hindwings are darker and marked by indistinct, wavy, pale bands. A diagnostic anatomical feature of this species is the presence of five pairs of bright yellow-orange lateral spots on the abdomen, bordered by bold black segments. The larval stage, commonly known as a hornworm, is predominantly green and decorated with seven oblique white or yellowish stripes along its flanks, culminating in a distinctive, curved anal horn at the posterior end. The pupa is glossy dark brown, robust, and features a prominent, loop-like maxillary sheath that curves free from the body, resembling a pitcher handle.

Geographical distribution: This neotropical hawkmoth is widely distributed across the central and southern regions of South America. Its geographic range encompasses extensive territories in Brazil, particularly within the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado biomes, extending through northern and central Argentina down to the temperate pampas of Buenos Aires. It is also commonly recorded throughout Paraguay and in various ecological zones of Uruguay, showcasing a broad latitudinal tolerance.

Habitat: It colonizes a diverse array of terrestrial environments, demonstrating remarkable ecological plasticity. Its primary habitats include tropical and subtropical wet forests, gallery forests, and drier scrublands like the Chaco and Caatinga. Furthermore, it has successfully adapted to anthropogenic landscapes, frequently inhabiting agricultural plantations, commercial nurseries, urban gardens, and public parks where suitable host plants and nectar sources are abundant.

Feeding: In its adult stage, this insect is an obligate nectarivore equipped with an extraordinarily long proboscis that allows it to access nectar from deep-tubed flowers. It preferentially visits plants belonging to the families Solanaceae, Bignoniaceae, and Apocynaceae, performing a vital ecological role as an efficient nocturnal pollinator. In stark contrast, the larvae are voracious folivores, feeding exclusively on the leaves of plants within the family Solanaceae, including wild and cultivated species of the genera Solanum (such as potatoes and eggplants), Nicotiana (tobacco), and Capsicum (peppers).

Behavior: The species exhibits strictly crepuscular and nocturnal activity patterns, with flight beginning shortly after dusk. It is renowned for its rapid, powerful, and highly agile flight, possessing the ability to hover motionless in the air before flowers while feeding, a physiological feat that closely mirrors the flight mechanics of hummingbirds. Adults are highly sensitive and attracted to artificial light sources, which often draws them into urban settings. When threatened, the caterpillars display a defensive posture by raising the anterior portion of their body to resemble a sphinx, and they may also click their mandibles or regurgitate a dark, unpalatable fluid.

Reproduction: The reproductive cycle begins at night when the receptive female releases volatile sex pheromones from abdominal glands to attract males over significant distances. Following copulation, the female deposits her spherical, pale green eggs individually on the underside of the leaves of selected host plants. Upon hatching, the larvae undergo five distinct instars, rapidly increasing in biomass. Once fully mature, the pre-pupal larva descends from the host plant and burrows into the damp soil. At a depth of several centimeters, it excavates a small chamber to transform into a subterranean pupa, which may undergo diapause to survive unfavorable cold or dry seasons before emerging as an adult.

Conservation status: This species has not yet been formally assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is thus classified as Not Evaluated (NE). It remains a relatively common and widespread species with stable populations throughout its range. However, local populations are vulnerable to the widespread use of synthetic insecticides and chemical pesticides in agricultural zones, as well as the ongoing loss of native forests.