Creature feature

This little caterpillar resembles a porcupine with its long back hairs that look like quills. I think it's the caterpillar of the garden tiger moth, écaille martre in French (arctia caja). I base this on what I found on an internet site that helps people identify caterpillars and moths.

One day, this prickly guy (or gal) might become a pretty little tiger moth.

It was making its way along the vineyard road the other day when I noticed it. I try not to step on the slugs, snails, and other slow-moving critters when I'm out walking. The tractors and other vehicles that use the road do enough of that.