Population dynamics of a tree-dwelling aphid: regulation and density-independent processes

1. A population of the Turkey-oak aphid (Myzocallis boerneri Stroyan) was sampled at approximately weekly intervals on two Turkey-oak trees for 19 years. 2. On one tree (A), the aphids exhibited a distinct seasonal pattern with a spring increase, summer decrease, early autumn increase, and late autumn decline. On the other tree (B) the aphids remained at low densities after the decrease in summer. 3. On tree A, significant undercompensating density dependence occurred during all periods of the seasonal population development, and their strength varied little during the course of the season. On tree B, significant density dependence compensated exactly for increase, but appeared only after the decrease in summer when the population remained at very low densities for the rest of the season. 4. Density-independent weather variables affected the population dynamics very little. Their influence was marginally significant only at very low densities when the aphids were regulated exactly by compensating density-dependent factors. 5. The results suggest a curvilinear density dependence, with strong regulation at low densities, and weak at high densities. That is, this aphid was most regulated not at the peak but at the trough densities.

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