semelparity

Semelparity is a reproductive strategy where an organism reproduces only once in its lifetime. This single reproductive event typically occurs near the end of the organism's life, followed by rapid senescence and death.12

Examples of semelparous organisms include annual and biennial plants, many insects, and some vertebrates like salmon and eels. In plants, the senescence process is often integrated with reproduction, aiding in seed dispersal. For insects, semelparity can be linked to survival strategies, such as procryptic coloration where rapid death after reproduction reduces predator learning.2

This contrasts with iteroparity, where organisms reproduce multiple times throughout their lifespan.2