Sources: Information compiled from various online articles and scientific sources (see full references at the end).
In the insect world, lifespans vary dramatically, with some species living only a few hours, while others can survive for decades.
Black Garden Ant Queen | Photo @ Maciej Olszewski / Shutterstock
The Black Garden Ant Queen (Lasius niger) holds the record for the longest documented lifespan among insects, with one individual reaching an astonishing 28 years in captivity. In the wild, queens of this species, as well as those of Pogonomyrmex owyheei, have been recorded living for over 20 years. As the reproductive center of the colony, the queen dedicates her life to laying eggs, ensuring the colony’s survival. For comparison, the Termite Queen (Macrotermes bellicosus) is also known for its longevity, with estimates ranging from 15 to 20 years. Some sources suggest they could live up to 50 years, but this remains scientifically unverified. Meanwhile, worker ants and termites have much shorter lifespans, typically ranging from a few months to a couple of years.
In stark contrast, the Mayfly (Ephemeroptera) has one of the shortest adult lifespans in the insect world. Some species, such as Dolania americana, live less than five minutes after their final molt. During this brief period, they mate and lay eggs, completing their life cycle in mere moments. However, the larval stage of mayflies lasts much longer – anywhere from several months to a year underwater before emerging as adults.
Mayfly | Photo @ Erik Karits / Pexels
These extreme differences in lifespan highlight the diverse survival strategies among insects. While ant queens invest in longevity to maintain thriving colonies, mayflies prioritize rapid reproduction in their fleeting adult stage.
Sources:
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University of Florida. (2001). Book of Insect Records – Chapter 34: Longest adult life. Department of Entomology & Nematology, UF/IFAS. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/walker/ufbir/chapters/chapter_34.shtml
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University of Florida. (2001). Book of Insect Records – Chapter 37: Shortest reproductive life. Department of Entomology & Nematology, UF/IFAS. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/walker/ufbir/chapters/chapter_37.shtml
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National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). Mayflies. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Mayflies
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ExtermPro. (n.d.). Which bugs live the longest? Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.extermpro.com/blog/which-bugs-live-the-longest/
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International Fund for Animal Welfare. (n.d.). Animals with the shortest lifespans. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.ifaw.org/journal/animals-shortest-lifespans
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Human Ageing Genomic Resources. (n.d.). Lasius niger. AnAge: The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Lasius_niger