How do male cobalt milkweed beetles guard mates after copulation?

In the context of reproductive behavior, male cobalt milkweed beetles (Chrysochus cobaltinus) guard their mates by riding on the back of the female for several hours following copulation.1

This mate-guarding behavior serves as a form of paternity protection. By remaining on the female, the male prevents her from mating with other males before she lays her eggs, thereby ensuring his own reproductive success. While this behavior requires the male to sacrifice time that could otherwise be spent locating additional mates, it effectively reduces the impact of sperm competition.1