What is that thing?

I found this out on our front walk the other day...

Maybe it's obvious to some of you winderness types, but for me it was puzzling at first (in my defense it was belly up when I first saw it and it's head was hidden inside).

It was very small, just about 2 inches in diameter all curled up, but I still get the willies when I go outside. Creepy, crawly things and me do NOT mix.

And this is what James looked like when I wouldn't let him outside.

(notice the scab on his nose, he bit the dust out on the back porch)