Hello Brenda,

This looks like the chrysalis of a Variegated Fritillary butterfly. Like many caterpillars, they can wander away from their host plant when they're done feeding in order to form a chrysalis, because predators and parasites hunt them partly by looking for (and smelling) their chewing damage to the plants. This butterfly uses Violets and Passionflower as their primary host plants.

Here is a gallery of Variegated Fritillaries from around MD; there are few chrysalis photos, though bear in mind that exact color pattern can vary from individual to individual: https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/544

and more photos with a bit of life cycle information:https://bugguide.net/node/view/400

Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly chrysalids look nearly identical, but they are a much rarer species here (despite being our official state insect; their range is widespread but their occurrence is very patchy) and some subtle differences in pattern/coloration suggest this one is a Fritillary.

https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/557

If this is in a location you frequent, you can keep an eye on it as it will probably hatch in a week or so. Just before the adult is ready to emerge (perhaps a day), the wing pattern will become visible through the skin of the chrysalis. Predominantly black will be the Checkerspot; predominantly orange will be the Fritillary.

Miri

You're welcome.