Summit

Ecosystem Overview

The Summit ecosystem supports 71 documented wildlife species across 70 taxonomic genera. Located in Union County, New Jersey, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 15 frequently observed species and 14 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. Compared to nearby Elizabeth, Summit hosts 689% more species diversity. This location ranks #2 for species diversity among 19 Union County County natural areas, placing it in the 89th 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 19 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common15 species

Common21 species

Occasional21 species

Rare14 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#2 of 19 locations

89th percentile for diversity

vs. Elizabeth

+689% 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 71 total documented species.

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Honey-Bells

Very Common4 obs.

Rainieria antennaepes

Very Common3 obs.

Dolichovespula maculata

Baldfaced Hornet

Very Common2 obs.

Vespa crabro

hornet

Very Common2 obs.

Pyrrharctia isabella

Isabella Tiger Moth

Very Common2 obs.

Apis mellifera

Western Honey Bee

Common2 obs.

Lepomis gibbosus

pumpkinseed

Common2 obs.

Plethodon cinereus

Eastern Red-Backed Salamander

Common2 obs.

Leucauge venusta

Venusta Orchard Spider

Common2 obs.

Tipula oleracea

Common1 obs.

Perithemis tenera

Eastern Amberwing

Common1 obs.

Libellula incesta

Slaty Skimmer

Occasional1 obs.

Agrotis ipsilon

dark sword-grass

Occasional1 obs.

Toxomerus marginatus

Syrphid Fly

Occasional1 obs.

Aedes albopictus

Occasional1 obs.

Bibio articulatus

Occasional1 obs.

Toxomerus geminatus

Eastern Calligrapher

Occasional1 obs.

Laphria thoracica

Bumble Bee Mimic Robber Fly

Rare1 obs.

Bombus impatiens

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Rare1 obs.

Photinus pyralis

Big Dipper Firefly

Rare1 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

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

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

+163%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Union County County, New Jersey

Nearby Natural Areas

Elizabeth

Importance: 0.47

9 species

+689% vs. current

Union County

Importance: 0.43

100 species

-29% vs. current

Rahway

Importance: 0.42

2 species

+3450% vs. current

Plainfield

Importance: 0.41

2 species

+3450% vs. current

Westfield

Importance: 0.39

17 species

+318% vs. current

Linden

Importance: 0.38

26 species

+173% vs. current

Scotch Plains

Importance: 0.38

32 species

+122% vs. current

Mountainside

Importance: 0.37

24 species

+196% 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 Union 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

+163%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Union County County, New Jersey

Nearby Natural Areas

Elizabeth

Importance: 0.47

9 species

+689% vs. current

Union County

Importance: 0.43

100 species

-29% vs. current

Rahway

Importance: 0.42

2 species

+3450% vs. current

Plainfield

Importance: 0.41

2 species

+3450% vs. current

Westfield

Importance: 0.39

17 species

+318% vs. current

Linden

Importance: 0.38

26 species

+173% vs. current

Scotch Plains

Importance: 0.38

32 species

+122% vs. current

Mountainside

Importance: 0.37

24 species

+196% 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 19 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common15 species

Common21 species

Occasional21 species

Rare14 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#2 of 19 locations

89th percentile for diversity

vs. Elizabeth

+689% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 71 total documented species.

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Honey-Bells

Very Common4 obs.

Rainieria antennaepes

Very Common3 obs.

Dolichovespula maculata

Baldfaced Hornet

Very Common2 obs.

Vespa crabro

hornet

Very Common2 obs.

Pyrrharctia isabella

Isabella Tiger Moth

Very Common2 obs.

Apis mellifera

Western Honey Bee

Common2 obs.

Lepomis gibbosus

pumpkinseed

Common2 obs.

Plethodon cinereus

Eastern Red-Backed Salamander

Common2 obs.

Leucauge venusta

Venusta Orchard Spider

Common2 obs.

Tipula oleracea

Common1 obs.

Perithemis tenera

Eastern Amberwing

Common1 obs.

Libellula incesta

Slaty Skimmer

Occasional1 obs.

Agrotis ipsilon

dark sword-grass

Occasional1 obs.

Toxomerus marginatus

Syrphid Fly

Occasional1 obs.

Aedes albopictus

Occasional1 obs.

Bibio articulatus

Occasional1 obs.

Toxomerus geminatus

Eastern Calligrapher

Occasional1 obs.

Laphria thoracica

Bumble Bee Mimic Robber Fly

Rare1 obs.

Bombus impatiens

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Rare1 obs.

Photinus pyralis

Big Dipper Firefly

Rare1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 71 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.