Nature · 3
Which insect has the longest lifespan?
Answer
Termite queen
Termite queens hold the record for longest insect lifespan, reaching ages of 50 years or more in laboratory conditions, with some estimates suggesting even longer lifespans in optimal environments. This extraordinary longevity is directly correlated with their reproductive role—a single termite queen can establish and maintain an entire colony numbering in the millions. Their extended lifespan allows them to produce hundreds of thousands of offspring, ensuring colony perpetuation across decades.
💡 Did you know?
A termite queen can lay 30,000 eggs in a single day—imagine the daycare bill for that productivity level.
Other options people guess
- Dragonfly
- Monarch butterfly
- Cicada
Topics
- insects
- animal records
- lifespan
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