Maybe it's a ladybug larva.

That is a Flower Fly larva. The adult looks a lot like a Bee, but it moves like a Fly. Those are my best friends in the greenhouse! Do NOT destroy these! They can clean up an Aphid infestation in a matter of a day or two.

Here is a link that might be useful: a list of Flower Fly species

I should've done more research, looks like it's a syrphid fly larvae. Learn something new everyday :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Syrphid flies

Thanks Paul, I think we cross posted :)

I've done some checking of my other roses and found some there too. I think I'm going to stop squishing altogether because the larvae are in the midst of the aphids, don't want any more larvae casualties :)

Eric

These little creatures are a great asset in the garden and should be permitted to stay. Sometimes it takes them a while to catch up to the Aphids, but in my experience they ALWAYS clean up Aphid infestations with 100% effectiveness.

I've inspected my other roses and now that I know what the eggs look like, have found them on several buds...surrounded by their future dinner :)

I went back and found the larvae resting on a leaf below the bud cluster...that is now completely free of aphids.

Eric

One reason I don't spray.

No question about it.

Syrphidae sp.

I identify stuff like that for a living. All hover fly larvae (maggots) are predators like this.

Cool pics Eric! I would be happy to see some of those eating aphids in my garden.
Remy