What is the longest living insect?

The longest living insect known is the Queen Termite. These insects belong to the family of termites, specifically the species known as Macrotermes bellicosus.

The lifespan of a Queen Termite can vary depending on the species and environmental factors, but they are known to live for an average of 15 to 20 years. However, some reports suggest that certain Queen Termites can live up to 50 years or even longer in ideal conditions.

The Queen Termite is the reproductive center of the termite colony, responsible for producing thousands of eggs throughout her life. She is significantly larger than the other members of the colony, with a length of around 10 centimeters or 4 inches.

These long-living insects have an important role in the termite society. They are responsible for forming and maintaining the colony's population, providing workers and soldiers to protect and gather food. The Queen Termite is usually found deep within the nest, in a chamber specially designed for her and protected by workers and soldiers.

The reason behind the impressive lifespan of Queen Termites can be attributed to their powerful immune system. They possess specialized cells that can repair DNA damage, which helps them resist the effects of aging and live considerably longer than other insects.

Overall, Queen Termites are fascinating creatures known for their long lifespan and essential role in sustaining termite colonies.