How long can a queen bee live?

The lifespan of a queen bee can extend to up to five years under optimal conditions. This longevity is primarily due to her role within the hive; the queen is responsible for reproduction and maintaining the colony's population. Factors such as genetics, environmental conditions, and the care provided by worker bees significantly influence her lifespan.

While in other species of bees, such as worker bees and drones, the lifespans are much shorter—ranging from weeks to a few months—the queen's specialized role allows her to live considerably longer. This extended lifespan enables her to continuously lay eggs and support the hive's growth over several seasons.