Wasps have varying lifespans depending on their species, environmental conditions, and life stage. Generally, adult wasps can survive for several days to a few weeks without food. Worker wasps typically live for about 20 to 30 days, while queens can live for several months or even up to a year, especially if they find a suitable environment to hibernate during the winter.
When it comes to surviving without food, adult wasps rely on stored energy reserves within their bodies. These reserves come from the sugars and carbohydrates they gain from nectar and other food sources. In colder temperatures or during the late fall when food becomes scarce, wasps slow down their metabolism, which allows them to survive longer periods without food.
However, it's important to note that while they can go without food for some time, they will become increasingly weak and less active as days pass without sustenance. If environmental conditions are favorable and food sources become available again, they can quickly regain their energy and resume normal activity.
This ability to fast primarily applies to adult wasps. Larvae and pupae have different nutritional needs and require regular feeding from adults to survive and develop properly. In summary, while wasps can live without food for a limited time, their overall survival is closely linked to environmental conditions and available resources.