What is the average number of eggs an insect lays during its lifespan?

Insects exhibit a wide range of reproductive strategies, and the average number of eggs laid can vary significantly among different species. However, many common insects typically fall within the range of approximately 100 to 200 eggs during their lifespan. This range represents a balance between ensuring enough offspring survive to adulthood while not overproducing in environments where resources may be limited or predation is high.

It's important to recognize that this average is influenced by several factors, including the insect's size, habitat, and reproductive strategy. Therefore, while some insects can lay fewer than 100 eggs or more than 200 in very high fecundity species, the option that reflects the typical average for many insects, which is around 100 to 200 eggs, is a realistic representation of their reproductive capability.