The animal with the shortest lifespan is the mayfly.
Mayflies are aquatic insects that belong to the order Ephemeroptera. They are renowned for their exceptionally short lifespans as adults, typically living for only about one day.
| Animal | Lifespan (Adult Stage) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayfly | Approximately 1 day | Over 3,000 species exist; inhabit aquatic environments. |
As mentioned in the provided reference, there are over 3,000 species of mayflies found in aquatic habitats across the globe. While their larval stage can last much longer (weeks to years), their adult lives are fleeting, dedicated solely to reproduction. This makes them the animal with the shortest adult lifespan.
