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From hours to weeks: Shortest-living creatures in the natural world explained
Udayavani | March 18, 2026 12:41 AM CST

Nature is home to a wide range of living beings, from trees that survive for thousands of years to animals that live for centuries. At the same time, there are several species that complete their life cycle within a few hours or days.

Here is a look at some of the shortest-living creatures and their life spans:

Mayfly
The mayfly is known to have one of the shortest lifespans in the world. Its adult stage lasts only a few hours to a day. During this brief period, it focuses mainly on reproduction.


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