Stranger things have happened (in nature that is). I suppose it's possible that she could be holding eggs without the presence of a male, but I don't think she would do that as egg production is energetically costly. Fertilization is external, you are correct.

Are you sure it is an ovipositor? Does it move? If she is indeed holding eggs, she may absorb them or she may lay them, but if she lays them she will probably eat them to reabsorb the nutrients.
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Phishie
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