Google sawfly larvae, I think that is what this is. Not a friend but check first, I'd hate you to kill something friendly! www.bembix.de/gallery/symphyta-htm/craesus_septentrionalis.htm

Thanks Cammo, I did wonder as I have had a sawfly larvae problem this year. These look different from the ones I identified in May/June though. Off to google now:-)

Hungry little beasts whatever they are!

Just did, looks like large rose sawfly which figures, as it's attacking my roses, I'll put them out for the birds..... ruthless from now on lol, thanks again:-))

How is best to deal with these? I may have these but didn't realise things that look like this might not be caterpillars! So much to learn.

Definitely sawfly. I like the way they stand up in defensive posture when you move a leaf. SCARY!

Mine formed the letter S when I cut off the stem Worthy, eeek! I just removed the parts that contained them Peanuts, I don't spray, but you could use a soft soap spray which kills on contact I believe. I always worry about harming wildlife, especially birds and bees etc:-)