Mayfly to Housefly: 10 creatures with the shortest lifespan
MayflyMayflies are aquatic insects with the shortest lifespan in the animal kingdom. They live for just one day but can lay over 10,000 eggs in their brief life.
GastrotrichGastrotrichs are microscopic, cylindrical animals found in freshwater and marine environments. These creatures have a short lifespan as they live between 2.6 and 18.6 days, with an average of 10.11 days.
Luna mothLuna moths, known for their striking green wings and moon-shaped markings, typically live only one week. They are key prey for bats, owls, and birds.
MosquitoMosquitoes generally live about two weeks. However, some species can hibernate as adults for six to eight months, which extends their lifespan.
American ButterflyThe American butterfly has the shortest lifespan among butterflies. They live only about two weeks.
FlyFlies, which play a crucial role in ecosystems, typically live for around 15-16 days.
Drone Ant
Male drone ants that mate with the queen, have a lifespan of just one to two weeks, dying shortly after mating. However, queens can live for up to 15 years.
Indian Meal MothIndian meal moths, also known as pantry moths or flour moths, are among the shortest-living moth species, with lifespans ranging from five to 25 days.
African Killifish The African Killifish, which must mature and lay eggs before the brief rainy season ends in the region, has a lifespan of just 35 days.
HouseflyThe entire lifespan of a housefly spans only one to two months.