The average lifespan of insects varies widely depending on the species, their role, and environmental factors. Most insects live less than a year because they are cold-blooded and often do not survive winter
. Here are some examples of average lifespans for various insects:
- Ants: Workers live up to about one year, males live only a few weeks, but queen ants can live up to 20-30 years
- House flies: Typically live 15 to 25 days, reaching maturity in about 12 days
- Bed bugs: Adults live from 4 months to over a year under favorable conditions
- Honey bees: Queens live 2 to 3 years on average, workers live 5 to 6 weeks in summer and up to 6 months in winter
- Cockroaches: Lifespan varies by species; German cockroach adults live 3 to 6 months, American cockroach females about 1 to 1.5 years, and some cockroaches can live up to 2-3 years
- Termite queens: Can live 25 to 50 years, making them among the longest-living insects
- Cicadas: Periodical cicadas live underground as nymphs for 13 to 17 years, but adults live only about a month
- Mayflies: Have the shortest lifespan, living only about 24 hours as adults
In summary, while many common insects live only days to months, some social insect queens and certain species can live for decades, showing a vast range in insect lifespans depending on species and caste
