What is the term for the process of laying eggs by an insect?

The correct term for the process of laying eggs by an insect is oviposition. This term specifically refers to the act of females depositing their eggs in a suitable environment for development. Oviposition can vary widely among different insect species in terms of the location and method used to lay eggs, which can influence the survival rates of the offspring.

Hatching relates to the emergence of an organism from an egg, which occurs after oviposition. Cocooning refers to the process where certain insects, such as moths or butterflies, spin a protective casing around themselves as they undergo metamorphosis, but it does not pertain specifically to laying eggs. Incubation typically describes the process of maintaining conditions for eggs (such as temperature and humidity) to develop, often used in a broader context beyond just insects, and generally does not refer to the act of laying eggs itself.