I wonder if this larva found in the pot is a friend or foe? I can't determine what kind it is; it was lurking in the top 2-3 cm layer of the soil.

Just let it all out with the little one!

Good morning, This looks like a beetle, but without knowing the species, it's hard to tell if it's a friend or foe... the ideal thing is to remove it... You probably have more in the pot too... I usually grow in organic soil, and it's very labor-intensive because of the multiple factors you can't control; however, the flavor is much cleaner. I have a rule that usually works for me: if it's not a known pest and I don't see any stress symptoms or lesions on the plant, I leave it be... The plants can naturally face challenges on their own.

It's probably a type of scarab beetle, which might eat your plants roots.