Image of Nallachius americanus (McLachlan 1881)

Description:

Nallachius americanus. Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC, USA. This was my second time witnessing mating and oviposition in this species. They seem to be pretty common on tulip trees in July. Last time, I found a mating pair and then watched the female oviposit afterwards. This time, I found a lone female sitting on the tree trunk with her ovipositor held up into the air as shown in some of the pictures. Was she emitting a pheromone? After a few minutes a male suddenly appeared, and they started mating. After the mating, she immediately started laying eggs, just like the one I saw last year. This is such a great show. I'll definitely be looking for them again next year.