What is the typical lifespan of a drone bee?

The typical lifespan of a drone bee is about 4 weeks. Drones generally have a shorter lifespan compared to worker bees and queens. Their primary purpose is to mate with a queen, and once they fulfill this role, they do not survive long after mating. Drones are produced in the spring and summer months when the hive is actively expanding, and as the season progresses, many drones are expelled from the hive or die off as the colony prepares for the winter months. This brief yet pivotal role in the life cycle of the hive contributes to why their lifespan averages around 4 weeks.