The routing scheme is one of the key factors which influence the lifetime of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). The network can be paralyzed easily as a result of large energy consumption of key nodes by heavy communication. To solve the problem of energy consumption of key nodes in WSNs, a new ant colony routing algorithm on Dynamic Adjustment of Forward Angle based on Residual Energy (DAFARE) was proposed. Firstly, the nodes chose the next-hop node according to residual energy and distance in the range of initial forward angle; secondly, the forward angle was adjusted dynamically in the view of residual energy of nodes within the scope of forward angle; finally, early death of key nodes was avoided successfully. The simulation suggested that the effective life could be improved approximately 50% by DAFARE, compared with ant colony optimization algorithm based on Function of Multi-object Evaluation and Positive-Negative Feedback (FMEPNF). The experimental results show that, the network energy consumption of DAFARE can be balanced effectively, the lifetime is prolonged, and the coverage of WSN is guaranteed.