No, ants cannot live 100 years.
While ant colonies can persist for long periods, sometimes even decades, the lifespan of individual ants is much shorter. The longevity of an ant largely depends on its role within the colony.
Here's a breakdown:
- Worker Ants: Worker ants, which are typically female, live for a few months to a year, depending on the species and their specific tasks within the colony. They are responsible for foraging, nest building, and caring for the brood, and these tasks take a toll on their lifespan.
- Male Ants: Male ants, also known as drones, have the shortest lifespan. Their primary purpose is to mate with the queen, and they typically die shortly after fulfilling this role. They usually only live for a few weeks.
- Queen Ants: Queen ants have the longest lifespan within the colony. Their primary role is to lay eggs and ensure the continuation of the colony. While no ant species lives for 100 years, some queen ants can live for several decades. Some species' queens have been documented to live up to 30 years.
Therefore, while ant colonies can thrive for extended periods due to continuous reproduction, no individual ant, including queens, lives to be 100 years old.
