What happens to mosquito eggs if they are laid out of water?

Mosquito eggs that are laid out of water typically become dormant until they are exposed to flooding or suitable water conditions. This adaptation helps ensure that the eggs do not hatch prematurely in unfavorable conditions. Many species of mosquitoes have evolved to lay their eggs in areas that can be flooded, such as near edges of ponds, marshes, or other bodies of water; when it rains or water levels rise, the eggs can then be inundated and will hatch into larvae.

While some egg types may dry out and die, the general survival strategy is for eggs to remain viable in a dormant state until the right conditions are met for hatching. This ensures that the mosquito population can take advantage of environmental changes in a strategic manner. Other options like hatching immediately or dispersing do not accurately describe the lifespan of mosquito eggs out of water, as they rely heavily on water sources to initiate the hatching process.