- #1
Sanborn Chase
Gold Member
- 70
- 13
I was born in 1947. Are any insects that were alive then still alive today?
The longest living insect is the queen termite, which has an average lifespan of 50 years.
Insects have evolved unique physiological and biochemical mechanisms that allow them to survive for extended periods of time. These mechanisms include metabolic rate reduction, DNA repair enzymes, and antioxidants.
Other long-lived insects include the queen ant (15-30 years), the cicada (up to 17 years), and the monarch butterfly (up to 8 months).
The longevity of insects is influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, environmental conditions, and reproductive patterns. Insects with a slower metabolism and lower rates of reproduction tend to live longer.
Human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change have had negative impacts on insect populations and their lifespan. Insecticides and pesticides also contribute to the decline of certain insect species.