In April, 2005 we surveyed University, Extension, regulatory, forest and other entomologists in the twelve states comprising the Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network. Our target group was entomologists with responsibilities in diagnosis and identification, particularly those who work with plant-related pest inquiries. The response and interest in additional training was enthusiastic, with 38 replies from almost all states in the region. Most respondents work with vegetables and/or container-grown nursery plants, ornamental plants in greenhouses, home garden situations, and field nurseries/commercial landscapes. Other areas covered by the group include tree fruit, small fruit, greenhouse herbs, field crops, greenhouse vegetables, potatoes, greenhouse fruit, and livestock. Several work specifically with forest situations. Some also cover non-commercial household/structural and commercial structural pests. Public health and forensic entomologists were not targeted in this survey. Arthropod groups of greatest interest include beetles (29), especially bark and ambrosia beetles (22), cerambycids (20), buprestids (19), weevils (19), coccinellids (12) and dermestids (10). Homopterans (25) were also high on the list, particularly scales (16), aphids (14) and mealybugs (9). There was also significant interest in spiders (18), spider mites (17), gall mites (16), tarsonemid mites (15), ticks (13) and snails and slugs (12). Of less interest were thrips (9), whiteflies (8), springtails (7), cocktroaches (6), termites and millipedes (5 each), orthopterans (3), plant- and leafhoppers (3), psyllids (3), lacewings (3) and earwigs (2). Many identified needs for trained staff (and funding), equipment and facilities as well as good diagnostic keys and survey methods. There was also strong interest in identifying exotic pests, immature arthropods those of public health concern.