The Shortest Lifespan Animals

Mayfly

The Mayfly is famous for having the shortest lifespan of any animal. It lives for only a few hours as an adult.

Housefly

Houseflies live for about 15 to 30 days. They go through several stages quickly in their short lives.

Gastrotrich

These tiny aquatic creatures live only 2 to 3 days. Despite their short lives, they are very active and fascinating.

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies live for just 1 to 2 weeks. They are commonly used in scientific studies due to their fast lifecycle.

Drone Bee

Male drone bees live for about 5 to 8 weeks. They mate with the queen and then die shortly after.

Black-Bellied Salamander

This salamander lives for about 2 to 3 years. It spends most of its life in the larval stage, which is much longer than as an adult.

Termite Worker

Worker termites live for about 1 to 2 years. Their role is to maintain and defend the colony.

Mosquito

Most mosquitoes live for about 2 weeks. Female mosquitoes can live a little longer, but the lifespan is still short.

Short-Lived Cicada

Some cicada species live only a few weeks. They emerge in huge numbers to mate before dying quickly.

Pygmy Shrew

This tiny mammal lives for about 1 to 2 years. Its high metabolism means it has a very short life.