The overall mission of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) http://www.npdn.org is to enhance national agricultural security by promoting the early detection of exotic pathogens and other pests, including insects and related arthropods. Entomology has been included in the NPDN training modules for educational programs, and some entomologists throughout the nation have been involved in the network. Within the NPDN, the southern region (SPDN, Southern Plant Diagnostic Network) is leading an entomology-specific program for 2004-05. A regional committee of entomologists, coordinated by the University of Florida (SPDN regional center), developed this entomology plan. An intensive, ‘Homoptera’ identification workshop http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/homoptera for general diagnosticians and extension specialists in the southern region will be held in December 2004 through this regional entomology program. Additionally, some extension-oriented regional publications and entomology diagnostic lab assistance will be funded through the SPDN.