Worms are invertebrates with elongated, soft bodies. Though the earthworm is the most common, there are many varieties of worms, who in popular culture often have negative connotations, associated w/ "creepy crawlies" at worst, or with sour-flavored gummy candies at best. On SESAME STREET, however, the worm is a much loved & vital species w/ an elaborate culture & society of its own.
Worms have appeared on SESAME STREET as early as episode 1, in an animated segment to demonstrate the letter W. Early segments of this often referred to the worm as "yucky", feeding to the popular prejudice, & raising concerns from 1 conservationist. 
For the most part, however, worms are presented in a very positive light, mostly in the person of Slimey, the pet of OSCAR THE GROUCH of Sesame Street, NYC. Slimey is beloved by Oscar, well-liked by other residents, & proved popular w/ viewers. Later on, Slimey's family was slowly introduced, including his sister Sloppy, as well as their parents Dusty & Eartha, even their cousins Squirmy & Rachel. Other Grouches also have close relationships w/ worms. Oscar's girlfriend Grundgetta has Sylvia, & the participants in the Worm Summer Games each have their own Grouch trainer.
Not unlike the Twiddlebugs, worms have their own community, culture, & organizations, established through the labor of the worms themselves. They establish their own mass transit system in the form of a worm subway (episode 3164) & band together to build a playground (episode 3957). In addition, Slimey is a member of the Worm Scouts,a scouting troop, & all worms enjoy the annual Wormy Gras festival, the annelids' answer to Mardi Gras, & an ode to the joys of worminess.
The worms also benefit from more elaborate organizations & events, many of which which are open to worms across the globe, not just those in & around Sesame Street, which were explored in detail in multiple episodes. The worms have their own version of the Olympic Games, the Worm Games, held in both summer (episode 3300) & winter (episode 3061). To prove that it's not all fun & games for worms, WASA, the WORM Air Space Organization, furthers space exploration & scientific discovery through the use of manned worm missions; the progress of 1 international team of worms (including SLIMEY) was tracked through much of Season 29. As demonstrated in WORMS in Space segments, the crew took time from their mission for educational pursuits, forming letters with their bodies. On The Muppet Show, 2 slightly different inchWORMSS were featured during Charles Aznavour & Danny Kaye's versions of the song "The Inch WORM". 2 striped worms more similar to those seen on SESAME STREET appeared in the Inchworm sketch on Muppet Show episode 204.
- See: WORM Gallery
- ↑ Tornburgh, Patricia. "Summary of Fan Mail Process from March 8th - 19th, 1971." March 24th, 1971. CTW Archives.
- GROUCH Gallery
- GROUCH Animals
- GROUCH Pets
- WORMS on the Muppet Wiki
- WORMS on the Puppet Wiki
- WORMS on the OSCAR THE GROUCH Wiki
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