Mating Leaf Beetles

In addition to Neolema sexpunctata (Six-spotted Leaf Beetle), we have the orange-headed, black-bodied Oulema cornuta in our backyard. This leaf beetle belongs to the subgenus Hapsidolemoides, and to tribe Lemini (of which N. sexpunctata is also a member). And like N. sexpunctata, it is associated with the plant genera Commelina (dayflowers) and Tradescantia (spiderwort). However, in our yard, these species feed on Hydrangea macrophylla, Camellia (family Theaceae), Rhododendron sp., and weeds. They can be quite voracious. Recently I spotted some mating pairs of O. cornuta. You can see that the female in the first couple was enjoying a meal during copulation.

Couple #1:

Couple #2:

References:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/41361