How Long Do Small Ants Live?
WouterDepending on the species, small ants live a variety of different amounts of time. Some live for just a few weeks, while others live for decades. The lifespan of ants can be shortened by starvation or thirst. It also depends on how the colony is able to sustain itself.
A queen ant will usually live the longest. Other ants, like fire ants, only live a short time. In some cases, the lifespan can be prolonged by being fed or having access to water. Some ants can only survive for a few weeks without food or water.
Workers, which are females, are essential to the colony. They forage for food and protect the nest. They also feed the queen. If there is not enough food, they will starve. They may also be eaten by predators.
Workers may not live for a long time, but they are vital to the survival of the colony. They will live between six and twelve months. They are usually killed by predators, disease, or pesticides. They can also be killed by ants from other colonies.
Ants go through a number of metamorphoses throughout their lives. They begin as larvae, which grow quickly and require a lot of food. These larvae will eventually molt several times. They will also develop into pupae, which will stay in this stage for a couple of weeks. They will eventually develop into adult ants. This stage of the life cycle will depend on the species and gender of the ant.
