[Objectives]  Pyrrhalta maculicollis is an emergent leaf-eating pest found in recent years in Xinjiang. The paper aims to provide a scientific basis for the effective control of P. maculicollis. [Methods]  The life history, habits and population dynamics of P. maculicollis were studied systematically over two-years in Turpan. [Results]  In Turpan city, P. maculicollis has 4 overlapping generations a year and overwinters at the base of tree trunks. Larvae of every generation occur in mid-April, early June, late July and mid-September. Light-trapping experiments show that P. maculicollis has strong phototaxis and is most attracted to blue traps. [Conclusion]  The adults and larvae of P. maculicollis cause most damage from March to October and have overlapping generations. April and May are crucial periods for the prevention and control of this pest.