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It all started with a phone call to Jonathan Cowap on Â鶹Éç Radio York's Lunchtime Phone-In from Jean in York.

"It's 3 - 4 inches long, with a snake-like skin, a fat head and two big eyes - what is it?"

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What was Jean's worm? Some kind of escaped pet? A baby snake? Jonathan asked for listeners in the know when it comes to worms to give us their opinion.

Some thought it might be a slow worm, Roz called to say perhaps it was an 'Axelottle' and then Marjorie in Bishopthorpe suggested it might be an Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar, a fairly rare find, which gets its name from its trunk-like snout.

When it feels threatened it draws this snout in, towards its body. This has the effect of inflating its head, which features four large eye markings. So finally Wilbur's identity crisis can be laid to rest - he is an Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar.

Jean's worm - aka Wilbur

Just goes to show - you learn something every day. But there was more caterpillar-related fun to comeÂ…

Just after the One O'clock News, a gentleman left a coffee jar with our receptionist. In the coffee jar (apart from a fair amount of coffee) was Jean's worm!!! Imagine our joyÂ…..

Having correctly identified what species our new pet was, Marjorie went on to name him 'Wilbur'. Bless. The hunt was then on to find Wilbur a home.

Jonathan and Wilbur

In stepped Anne Wright of the Ainsty Conservation Society, who brought in some of Wilbur's favourite food - Bedstraws and Willowherbs. Anne then whisked him off to a new life at the Bickerton Pond Reserve after a tearful goodbye from Jonathan Cowap.

Yet another example of the power of the Â鶹Éç Radio York Phone-in.

Wilbur sends his thanks and this letter...

Dear Jonathon,

Wilbur having a bath

Just to let you know I arrived safely at my new abode at Kelcar Pond, Bickerton, courtesy of the Ainsty Conservation Society limousine service. On the way I was happy to stop off for a quick sponge down to get the smell of coffee off my skin, and now feel much more comfortable. The new place looks great, with bogbean to eat which I love, and lots of neighbours but I brought along my friend just in case I got lonely. It was nice to see all you folks at Radio York.

Love,

Wilbur

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