Wasps have different lifespans depending on their role in the colony. Worker wasps typically live between 12 and 22 days, with an overall life cycle from egg to adult worker lasting about 35 to 70 days. Queen wasps can live much longer, up to about one year, as they hibernate through the winter and start new colonies in spring. Male wasps, known as drones, generally live 15 to 25 days and die shortly after mating. Most worker wasps die off naturally in autumn due to colder temperatures and food scarcity.