How Long Do Ants Survive?
WouterGenerally speaking, ants have an average lifespan of between two weeks and a few decades. Their life spans depend on their species and the environment. They are social creatures that have a caste system that determines the caste of their larvae.
The queen ant is responsible for the health and longevity of the colony. She is responsible for laying eggs. If the colony survives, the queen can live up to 20 years. But if she dies, the colony will not survive.
The worker ant is also considered a member of the ant colony. They are responsible for gathering food, building a nest, and caring for the larvae. If the colony survives, the worker ant will live up to five years. However, these workers can also die by being crushed by other larger ants, predators, or pesticides.
During the winter, the ant colony will use up its reserves to stay alive. These reserves are called glycerol. The glycerol acts as a form of anti-freeze and keeps the ants from freezing to death.
The life of a male ant varies with species. Some species, like the carpenter ant, can live for up to six to twelve weeks. Others, like the odorous house ant, can live for two to three years.
The multi-tasking worker is the most numerous caste in the ant colony. These workers are sterile females and perform numerous tasks. They are responsible for burrowing tunnels, storing food, and performing essential duties.
