Abstract: 【Aim】 The relationship between population dynamics and gall development of the gall aphid Kaburagia rhusicola was investigated in order to provide a basis for further studying its biological characteristics. 【Methods】 Thirty gall samples induced by the aphid K. rhusicola were collected from its host trees in the field in Zhushan, Hubei every 10 days during gall growth period, from April 27 to July 16, 2014. Gall volume was measured by the drainage method. Each gall was dissected, all aphids were put in a petri dish, and then the number of aphid individuals was counted by the quartering method. The correlation relationship between the growth of gall volume and the change of aphid clonal population inside the gall was analyzed. 【Results】 There was a significantly positive correlation between the gall volume and the number of aphids (r=0.960, P<0.01). Both of the gall volume and the number of aphids had three peaks, which appeared on May 6 to May 16, May 26 to June 6, and June 26 to July 6, respectively. The aphid density in gall declined at the beginning and then rose, with a slight fluctuation in the intermediate stage. 【Conclusion】 This study demonstrates that gall volume is positively correlated with the number of aphids inside the gall. Gall volume can be used as an indicator for fitness of the aphid stem mother to the external environment.  

Key words: Key words: Kaburagia rhusicola, bellied gall, population dynamics, gall volume, growth and development