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What is the shortest lifespan in the world?

Published in Biology 1 min read

The shortest lifespan in the world belongs to the mayfly, a delicate insect that lives for a mere 24 hours.

Mayflies are fascinating creatures, known for their brief existence. Their adult life is dedicated solely to reproduction. They emerge from water as winged adults, mate, lay eggs, and then die.

While the lifespan of a mayfly is incredibly short, it's important to remember that this is just the adult stage. Mayflies spend most of their lives as nymphs, living underwater for several months or even years before transforming into adults.

Other insects, like some species of dragonflies, can also have very short lifespans, lasting only a few weeks. However, the mayfly's 24-hour lifespan remains the shortest known among all living creatures.

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