Earth-worms can be many different sizes eg. one in Australia is about 1 inch in diameter and 10-12 feet long and looks like a snake, though the average is 6-8 inches. All worms consume 1/3 rd of their body weight each day, and are very sensitive to vibrations and can go backwards as fast as forwards. They spit on the soil to soften it, then push with their sharp nose, their progress is assisted by special organs in their bodies that allow them to either push outwards or contract inwards. Worms also have special ‘anchors’ – a stiff hair either side of each segment of their body which they can push out or pull in to assist with movement.

A worm can be cut in 3 and each with regenerate the remainder of the worm!! Moles catch worms biting off their head to store for winter (they can’t go anywhere without a head), those that remain uneaten will eventually grow a new head.