Charleston

Ecosystem Overview

The Charleston ecosystem supports 21 documented wildlife species across 21 taxonomic genera. Located in Coles County, Illinois, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 5 frequently observed species and 4 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. Compared to nearby Mattoon, Charleston hosts 133% more species diversity. This location ranks #2 for species diversity among 4 Coles County County natural areas, placing it in the 50th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 4 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common5 species

Common6 species

Occasional6 species

Rare4 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#2 of 4 locations

50th percentile for diversity

vs. Mattoon

+133% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 21 total documented species.

Phidippus audax

Bold Jumper

Very Common2 obs.

Apis mellifera

Western Honey Bee

Very Common1 obs.

Dysdera crocata

Dysderid Spider

Very Common1 obs.

Limax maximus

Spotted leopard slug

Very Common1 obs.

Odocoileus virginianus

Key Deer

Very Common1 obs.

Buteo lineatus

Red-Shouldered/Broad-Winged Hawk

Common1 obs.

Spizella passerina

Chipping Sparrow

Common1 obs.

Ornithogalum umbellatum

Nap-At-Noon

Common1 obs.

Galanthus nivalis

common snowdrop

Common1 obs.

Claytonia virginica

Eastern Springbeauty

Common1 obs.

Clogmia albipunctatus

Drain fly

Common1 obs.

Harmonia axyridis

Harlequin ladybird

Occasional1 obs.

Camponotus pennsylvanicus

Carpenter Ant

Occasional1 obs.

Lampropeltis calligaster

Prairie Kingsnake

Occasional1 obs.

Archilochus colubris

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Occasional1 obs.

Cercis canadensis

Eastern Redbud

Occasional1 obs.

Trifolium repens

Dutch clover

Occasional1 obs.

Scilla siberica

Siberian squill

Rare1 obs.

Haemorhous mexicanus

House Finch

Rare1 obs.

Turdus migratorius

American Robin

Rare1 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Charleston. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-43%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 3 nearby locations in Coles County County, Illinois

Nearby Natural Areas

Mattoon

Importance: 0.49

9 species

+133% vs. current

Coles County

Importance: 0.48

100 species

-79% vs. current

Lake Charleston

Importance: 0.20

1 species

+2000% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within Coles County County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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About This Comparison

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-43%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 3 nearby locations in Coles County County, Illinois

Nearby Natural Areas

Mattoon

Importance: 0.49

9 species

+133% vs. current

Coles County

Importance: 0.48

100 species

-79% vs. current

Lake Charleston

Importance: 0.20

1 species

+2000% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 4 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common5 species

Common6 species

Occasional6 species

Rare4 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#2 of 4 locations

50th percentile for diversity

vs. Mattoon

+133% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 21 total documented species.

Phidippus audax

Bold Jumper

Very Common2 obs.

Apis mellifera

Western Honey Bee

Very Common1 obs.

Dysdera crocata

Dysderid Spider

Very Common1 obs.

Limax maximus

Spotted leopard slug

Very Common1 obs.

Odocoileus virginianus

Key Deer

Very Common1 obs.

Buteo lineatus

Red-Shouldered/Broad-Winged Hawk

Common1 obs.

Spizella passerina

Chipping Sparrow

Common1 obs.

Ornithogalum umbellatum

Nap-At-Noon

Common1 obs.

Galanthus nivalis

common snowdrop

Common1 obs.

Claytonia virginica

Eastern Springbeauty

Common1 obs.

Clogmia albipunctatus

Drain fly

Common1 obs.

Harmonia axyridis

Harlequin ladybird

Occasional1 obs.

Camponotus pennsylvanicus

Carpenter Ant

Occasional1 obs.

Lampropeltis calligaster

Prairie Kingsnake

Occasional1 obs.

Archilochus colubris

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Occasional1 obs.

Cercis canadensis

Eastern Redbud

Occasional1 obs.

Trifolium repens

Dutch clover

Occasional1 obs.

Scilla siberica

Siberian squill

Rare1 obs.

Haemorhous mexicanus

House Finch

Rare1 obs.

Turdus migratorius

American Robin

Rare1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 21 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.