it could be but how do you know its not slugs? I have some that have clearly been eaten, no tell tale silvery trails. but when lifted the pot there was a big fat slug underneath.

Earwigs damage the flowers nibbling on them at night...

I've lost the flower buds off one of mine and assume it's earwigs - it doesn't look quite like slug damage - more precise, somehow. Infuriating. And it doesn't sound stupid at all!

What size holes do you have? I've got gigantic holes overnight in a new Hosta and no trace of slugs/snails either?

Thank you all for all the reasons you have suggested for my disappearing Dahlias.My dahlias on checking today have just got the stems left. the soil is so sandy that is why i am convinced that is not slugs or snails no evidence at all

Is there a slug repellent i can get, that my very inquisitive weinarama will not be interested in, she just has to help in the garden.

I'm sorry to say that sandy soil is not a deterrent to slugs or snails. I have millions of the little b-----ds and very sandy soil. It's really hard to keep them off the dahlias.Went to the garden centre yesterday to buy some more organic pellets (ie non-toxic to birds, pets etc) and they were sold out!

I have to agree with Cornishsally - sandy soil is not a contra-indication - sadly!!

Thanks again for all your comments,i will try some slug pellets,i did read some where that by taking the bottom leaves off, may help with the slug problem, not sure about that one.