Eggs are laid in layers on a vertical surface such as overhanging foliage, projecting rocks, sticks and aquatic vegetation. Aquatic vegetation is most preferred. A shiny or chalky secretion, which aids in water protection, often covers eggs. The vertical surfaces on which the eggs are deposited are always directly over water and wet ground favorable to the development of larvae. The female will not deposit egg masses on vegetation that is too dense.
Eggs are initially a creamy white color but soon darken to gray and black.
Eggs are cylindrical in shape and measure from 1 to 2.5 mm in length. Eggs hatch in five to seven days, depending upon ambient weather conditions, and the larvae fall to the moist soil and water below. Larvae use a hatching spine to break out of the egg case. The larvae are aquatic, semi-aquatic or terrestrial. The larvae taper at each end and are usually whitish in color, but also can be brownish or green depending on the species.