Definitely not ladybird larvae - you'll see those later in the year and they'll be dark in colour.
It could be vine weevil in this case but I'm not too sure (if it is then it's a foe, I'm afraid).

Don’t think it’s vine weevil as have dug those up last week and are more grub like with a brown head.

Maybe young chafer grubs?

they are definitely vine weevils in their pupal stage. so definitely foe. feed to the birds or fish if you have a pond.

Vine weevil at the next stage after the little white grubs with the brown noses. Get rid!

Sorry SBG, posted at the same time. remember your telling me what they were last year. Have invested in nematodes this year and hoping for the best.

Thank you all very much, I’ve never come across them before in the 14 years have been gardening here but this year they’re in every pot I’ve emptied. Will be getting some nemetodes I think. Any other suggestions how to keep on top of them?

Definitely vine weevil, this stage always reminds me of the Alien films - something not quite formed, but showing what it will be!

I hate these darned weevils! Today i was planting something and turned out a grub. And then I couldn’t find the little beggar, so now its probably in the roots. Grrrr....

Just ordered some nemasys vine weevil killer to do all my pots- that’ll do the trick.