How many eggs can a female spongy moth lay?

A female spongy moth is capable of laying between 500 to 1,000 eggs in a single egg mass. This reproductive characteristic plays a significant role in the species' ability to establish and increase its population, especially in areas where they thrive. The high number of eggs laid ensures that, even with potential predation or environmental challenges, a sufficient number of larvae will survive to maturity and continue the life cycle.

The other ranges provided in the choices either underestimate or overestimate the typical egg-laying capacity of this species. Understanding the average egg production of the spongy moth is essential for managing and controlling populations, especially since high reproductive rates correlate with the potential for significant ecological impacts, particularly in forested areas.