Large Tortoiseshell

 The Large Tortoiseshell is the rarest of all our hibernators. With sightings on mainland Britain being restricted mainly to the South and Southwest counties and coastal areas, which are either migrants or released individuals. The demise of this butterfly in Britain can be contributed to a number of factors, including the fatal Dutch Elm decease which practically wiped out this species of tree, [the Dutch Elm believed to be the primary larval food plant]. But this rare butterfly can still be found in a couple of places on the Isle of Wight, that are believed to be native to the Island.