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Banner Elk

Ecosystem Overview

The Banner Elk ecosystem supports 25 documented wildlife species across 25 taxonomic genera. Located in avery county, north carolina, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 6 frequently observed species and 4 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Avery County nearby has 75% more documented species, Banner Elk offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #2 for species diversity among 4 avery county County natural areas, placing it in the 50th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

25
Total Species
Documented wildlife species
25
Genus Diversity
Taxonomic genera represented
13
Common Species
Frequently observed species
12
Rare Species
Occasionally documented species
#2
Regional Rank
Out of 4 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common6 species
Common7 species
Occasional8 species
Rare4 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking
#2 of 4 locations
50th percentile for diversity
vs. Avery County
-75% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 25 total documented species.

Otiorhynchus sulcatus

Otiorhynchus sulcatus

black vine weevil

Very Common1 obs.
Melanoplus punctulatus

Melanoplus punctulatus

Pine-Tree Spur-Throat Grasshopper

Very Common1 obs.
Oecanthus niveus

Oecanthus niveus

narrow-winged tree cricket

Very Common1 obs.
Tetanolita mynesalis

Tetanolita mynesalis

Smoky Tetanolita Moth

Very Common1 obs.
Machimia tentoriferella

Machimia tentoriferella

Very Common1 obs.
Pyrausta acrionalis

Pyrausta acrionalis

Mint-Loving Pyrausta Moth

Common1 obs.
Cosmopepla lintneriana

Cosmopepla lintneriana

Twice-Stabbed Stink Bug

Common1 obs.
Corvus brachyrhynchos

Corvus brachyrhynchos

American Crow

Common1 obs.
Polystichum acrostichoides

Polystichum acrostichoides

dagger fern

Common1 obs.
Polytrichum commune

Polytrichum commune

Common Haircap Moss

Common1 obs.
Abies fraseri

Abies fraseri

Fraser Fir

Common1 obs.
Oxydendrum arboreum

Oxydendrum arboreum

sourwood

Occasional1 obs.
Solanum carolinense

Solanum carolinense

Apple-Of-Sodom

Occasional1 obs.
Erechtites hieraciifolius

Erechtites hieraciifolius

American Fireweed

Occasional1 obs.
Celastrus orbiculatus

Celastrus orbiculatus

Asian Bittersweet

Occasional1 obs.
Orgyia definita

Orgyia definita

Definite Tussock Moth

Occasional1 obs.
Limenitis archippus

Limenitis archippus

Viceroy

Occasional1 obs.
Leptoglossus occidentalis

Leptoglossus occidentalis

Western Conifer-Seed Bug

Rare1 obs.
Dryopteris intermedia

Dryopteris intermedia

Intermediate Wood Fern

Rare1 obs.
Betula alleghaniensis

Betula alleghaniensis

swamp birch

Rare1 obs.

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No comparable locations found in this region.

Nearby Wildlife Areas in Avery County

Discover 8 other wildlife-rich locations near Banner Elk. Each offers unique biodiversity and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Regional Wildlife Network

These nearby locations complement Banner Elkwithin Avery County's wildlife network. Species counts reflect documented observations and help identify the most biodiverse areas for your nature explorations.

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