How Long Do Little Black Ants Live?
WouterDuring the summer, little black ants become more active. They forage and breed. They are commonly found in the United States and Canada. They are also a common insect in industrial areas.
These insects have a very interesting life cycle. Some live for decades while others are short-lived. This depends on their environment, ant type, and role in the colony.
The male ant has the shortest lifespan. He only lives a few weeks after mating with the queen. The female ant can live up to a couple of years.
Workers, however, can live up to five years. They help care for the colony and feed the queen. They are also at risk of being eaten by predators. They can be poisoned by pesticides. They leave their nest to forage for food.
The queen lives the longest. She can produce new ants and start new colonies. She can also live longer than the other members of the brood. She can live twice as long as a worker ant. The new queens usually shed their wings once they find a suitable colony.
The queen of the ant colony is responsible for the health of the colony. She also determines the caste outcome of the ant larvae. Most nests are established by one or two queens. The queen can live up to seven years.
Carpenter ants build elaborate tunnel systems in wood. They can also burrow into wood beams to build nests. These insects can cause significant damage to buildings if they are left alone. They may even enter homes in search of food.
