How Long Do Ants Survive Without a Queen?
WouterTypically, you will see ants with one queen. This is a good thing, because queens play an important role in the ant’s lifespan. They are the ones who create a colony, lay eggs, and are responsible for the colony’s growth and expansion.
Queens typically lay hundreds or thousands of eggs a day. Some ant species are able to produce millions of eggs in their lifetimes. Queens also regrow their brains.
The colony’s longevity depends on the species and the number of workers. The average lifespan of an ant colony is a couple days to several months.
A super colony can include multiple billions of ants. It may stretch as deep as 25 feet below the earth’s surface. There are several species of ants that can create satellite colonies. The ant with the longest lifespan is the Indian jumping ant.
An ant colony is a team effort, but the role of the queen is a key factor in its success. Without her, the colony will eventually die.
Queens have the most prestigious role in the ant world, and it is important to protect them. Their lives are not easy. They may bite you if you get too close. A queen with wings is the easiest to spot. They also do not like bright lights.
A super colony will likely consist of several queens. These queens will lay the eggs that lead to the next generation of workers. They will also police conflicts within the colony.
