Anyone know what this insect is?

I have seen these guys on almost every one of my plants since two or three weeks after they were planted in the containers outside.  I don't know if they cause any damage and haven't been able to identify it yet.
 
Any ideas/info?
 
Edit:  Meant to also say they are about 1.5cm or just over a half inch in length.
 
mystery bug.jpg
 
Looked it up on Google and I believe everyone is correct.  Many thanks for help on identification!  After the green horned caterpillar and having literally hundreds of these guys around, looks like I'm about to commit some mass murder on the insect population in the back yard.
 
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