Long live the honey queen: Why the honeybee queen live 8 years longer than the Worker Bees

A queen honeybee can live up to 8 years while worker bees typically live less than two months in summer.

A study in GeroScience explores this lifespan disparity, noting honeybees are a key species for ageing research.

Queen larvae are fed a diet of royal jelly, which triggers development of functional ovaries and long lifespan.

Despite laying up to 2,000 eggs daily, queens outlive workers due to a protected environment and worker care.

The queen's longer life is enabled by a chemical shield in her blood, reducing oxidative damage.