[Objectives]  To investigate the effects of LC₅₀(semi-lethal) and LC₃₀(sublethal) concentrations of imidacloprid on Aphis glycines in the field, and the effect of resistance to this pesticide on the occurrence, evolution and distribution of this pest. [Methods]  The impregnation method, soaking leaves in imidacloprid, was used to expose newly-hatched A. glycines nymphs to LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ doses of imidacloprid, after which their growth, development and reproductive capacity were measured and used to compile a population life-table. In addition, we monitored changes in resistance to imidacloprid over five successive generations by exposing 4th instar larvae to either LC₃₀ or LC₅₀ doses of imidacloprid. [Results]  The survival rate of nymphs exposed to both LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ doses of imidacloprid first sharply declined, then gently declined and finally once again sharply declined. Both doses produced concave survival curves according to the Deevey survival curve. The temporal order of the daily fecundity peak, from early to late, was: LC₃₀ treatment group, control group, LC₅₀ treatment group. Mean generation lengths were LC₃₀∶LC₅₀ ∶control group = 0.929∶1.068∶1 and net appreciation rates (R₀) were LC₃₀∶ LC₅₀∶control group = 0.297∶0.141∶1. Finite rates of increase (λ) were: LC₃₀∶LC₅₀∶control group = 0.892∶0.798∶ 1 and the doubling times (T_d) ∶ LC₃₀∶LC₅₀∶ control group = 1.4∶ 2.35∶1. Resistance of the LC₅₀ treatment group was 1.78 times and 2.23 times higher than the control after 2 and 3 generations, respectively, whereas that of the LC₃₀ treatment group was 1.61 times and 1.90 times higer after 4 and 5 generations, respectively. [Conclusion]  The development of resistance to imidacloprid by A. glycines varied with dosage. Control plans should take into account both the dosage and the method of application to minimize the development of resistance.