Insects of Washington Challenge: Fall 2024

Calling Washington residents to help record insects this fall. We need your help to document the different species of insects you see. Help showcase how diverse our state is by making as many observations of as many insects as possible during the Insects of Washington Challenge: Fall 2024 from September 20 - October 14 on iNaturalist!

Using iNaturalist, you can keep track of the organisms that you find, interact with other naturalists, and get identification help from experts. It’s as easy as downloading the app (or going to the website), joining Insects of Washington Project, snapping photos of insects, and uploading them. Bring your curiosity and become a citizen scientist collecting as many pictures as possible of insects in Washington. To get started get out and start exploring. Search trees, light fixtures, bricks, stones, fences, grills, outdoor items, firewood, potted plants, recreational equipment, and vehicles.

This project assists the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) in monitoring Washington for invasive pests. While you are out searching, WSDA encourages you to be on the lookout for the invasive pest spotted lanternfly. While not yet found in Washington, the lanternfly has been intercepted in California as a hitchhiker on goods coming from the eastern United States where it is established.

Adult spotted lanternflies are one inch long and ½ inch wide with wings folded over their body. Look for brown wings with black spots at the front and a speckled band at the rear. When they move, you can see their hidden hind wings, which are red with black spots, and their yellow and black striped abdomen.

Adults will lay egg masses that look like wet grey putty and hold 30-50 eggs. The masses turn dull and brown, like cracked mud. Spotted lanternflies gather in groups and feed on a wide range of vines, fruit, ornamental plants, and woody trees. They threaten Washington’s agriculture, natural resources, and your backyard!

Learn more about spotted lanternfly by watching the video below or visiting WSDA’s spotted lanternfly website at agr.wa.gov/lanternfly

Orientation for Educators & Other Group Leaders September 18, 4 – 5 p.m.

We’re looking for educators, land managers, gardeners, and other group leaders to join us in engaging residents to participate in our Insects of Washington Challenge: Fall 2024.

Join WSDA during a webinar on September 17 from 4 – 5 p.m. to learn how you can help lead participation in this challenge. You will learn how to use the iNaturalist app to upload and explore observations. We will also discuss creative ideas for motivating and leading others to participate in this event.

You can watch a recap of this webinar online at

Orientation for Individuals & Families September 18 from 6 – 7 p.m.

We’re looking for Washington residents to participate in the Insects of Washington Challenge: Fall 2024.

Join the Washington State Department of Agriculture during a virtual webinar on September 18 from 6 – 7 p.m. to learn how you can participate in this challenge. You will learn how to use the iNaturalist app to upload and explore observations in your backyard, local park, or other places in Washington during this Challenge.

You can watch a recap of this webinar online at

Host or Publisher Pest Program