The lifespan of an ant can vary depending on the species and the caste (worker, queen, or male). Worker ants, which make up the majority of the colony, typically live from a few months to several years, depending on factors such as the species and environmental conditions. Queens, on the other hand, can live for several years, with some species living as long as 15 years or more. Male ants usually have the shortest lifespan, typically only living for a few weeks to a few months, as their primary purpose is to mate with the queen.
