There are several animals with short lifespans, including insects, fish, rodents, reptiles, and birds. The animal with the shortest lifespan is the American sand-burrowing mayfly, with males living less than one hour and females having just five minutes to breed before they die. Other animals with short lifespans include:
- Psocoptera: These insects have a lifespan of only 30 days.
- House Fly: House flies have a lifespan of 28 days.
- Tsetse Fly: Tsetse flies have a lifespan of 14 to 21 days.
- Mosquito: Mosquitoes have a lifespan of 60 days.
- Red Fire Ant: Red fire ants have a lifespan of 45-60 days.
- Bee Drone: Bee drones have a lifespan of 48 days.
- Mayfly: Mayflies have a lifespan of only 24 hours.
- Common Mouse: Common mice have an average lifespan of 12-18 months.
- Mosquitofish: Mosquitofish have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years.
- Labords Chameleon: Labords chameleons have a lifespan of 4 to 5 months, making them the shortest-lived reptiles.
- Giant Sunda Rat: Giant Sunda rats have a lifespan of 6 months to 1 year, making them the mammal with the shortest lifespan.
The lifespan of an animal depends on various factors, including its habitat, size, food sources, and defensive capabilities. Some animals with short lifespans have evolved to reproduce quickly and in large numbers to ensure the survival of their species.