It's the chrysalis of a Lepidoptera (moth or butterfly). Perhaps the folks at the Butterfly Forum would be of more help.

It's at http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/butterfly/

Here is a link that might be useful: Butterfly Forum

Thank you Jean: that thought occurred to me but I was very uncertain or it.

Appears to be the cocoon of the incredible Cecropia moth, or perhaps the Polyphemus moth. Anyway, it's the cocoon of one of the Saturniid moths, known as the silk worms or Royal moths. VERY spectacular moths and caterpillars, all of them.