We often think of insects being short-lived, so you might be surprised to learn that some insects can live for decades!
The record for the longest-lived insect goes to the golden jewel beetle (Buprestis aurulenta), which can spend as long as 47 years in its larval form, although the adults only live a few months.
But the insects with the longest documented adult lifespans are ants and termites.
Queens of the black garden ant (Lasius niger) have been reported living 28 years in laboratory colonies, and foraging termite (Macrotermes) queens are thought to live up to 20 years.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Zack Everett, Manchester) 'What's the longest-living insect?'
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