Dahlia Buds.

Something is eating my dahlia buds. Whatever it is it leaves a sticky residue where the bud has been attacked. Any ideas please what this can be.

 

Hi,

Normally a sticky residue would mean Aphids, particularly Blackfly, but usually they will be clearly visible, unless the ladybirds or birds have already eaten them all ?

If there is no sign of the creature , then Slugs and Snails are the other common pest, again more often noticed by holes in the lower leaves.

Earwigs could also be around though not normally experience a sticky residue with them ?