What lays unfertilized eggs?

Unfertilized eggs are typically laid by female animals, most commonly birds, reptiles, and fish. In birds, for instance, the eggs are laid without mating with a male, resulting in eggs that will not develop into chicks. Similarly, many species of fish and amphibians release unfertilized eggs into the water, where fertilization may occur externally if male sperm is present. Insects, such as bees and ants, can also lay unfertilized eggs that develop into males.