Which species lays eggs above water and can overwinter as eggs or adults?

• A. Aedes vexans
• B. Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus
• C. Aedes albopictus
• D. Ochlerotatus japonicus

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that some mosquito species lay their eggs on dry surfaces above water and those eggs can survive dry conditions and even winter, hatching later when water returns. This desiccation-resistant, above-water egg strategy is a hallmark of certain Aedes species.

Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is the best example of this. It lays eggs on the inner walls of containers, pots, tires, and other dry spots above the water line. Those eggs tolerate drying very well and can overwinter in a dry state; when water becomes available again, the eggs hatch. In temperate regions, overwintering in the egg stage is a key survival strategy, and in favorable microhabitats, adults may persist as well. This combination of laying above water and overwintering as eggs (with potential adult survival in some settings) is why this species fits the description.

The other species shown are less consistent with both parts of the description. Some lay eggs on damp or moist soil or directly on water surfaces rather than on dry container walls, and their overwintering strategies are not as closely tied to the above-water, desiccation-resistant egg concept.