New Delhi

When we think of insects, we often picture tiny, fleeting creatures buzzing flies, delicate butterflies, or mayflies that vanish within a day. Yet, some insects defy these expectations, living for years or even decades, rivaling the lifespan of certain mammals and birds. From colony rulers to long-living beetles, here are five insects famous for their extraordinary longevity.

Termite Queens
The ultimate matriarchs, termite queens can live for over 50 years, laying tens of thousands of eggs daily and ensuring the survival of their colonies. They outlive males by hundreds of times and live far longer than worker termites.

Cicadas
Known for their loud, buzzing songs, some periodic cicadas spend 17 years underground before emerging, making them one of the longest-living insects despite their brief adult phase.

Queen Ants
Queen ants dedicate their lives to nurturing their colonies. Some species’ queens can live up to 30 years, overseeing colonies of thousands and playing a central role in their community.

Tarantulas
These large, hairy spiders may seem intimidating, but they are mostly shy and slow-moving. Female tarantulas can live 15–30 years, while males typically live 3–7 years, quietly dominating their ecosystems.

Splendour Beetles
Also called jewel beetles for their iridescent colors, splendour beetles can spend up to 30 years in their larval stage under harsh conditions, waiting for the perfect time to mature.

READ MORE: IUML's Fatima Muzaffar Ahmed is the epitome of Muslim woman leadershipIn the insect world, longevity comes in many forms, from queens ruling vast colonies to beetles patiently enduring decades before reaching adulthood.