Sticky stuff on sunflower head

[Ippo456]

I bought some sunflowers from the market on Friday & at first, I thought the sunflower heads were wet & didn't bother them.
After a day, the 'water' droplets on the sunflower head didn't evaporate, so when I tried to touch it, it felt super sticky. I also saw a spider-looking bug (but not a spider) 'sitting' still on the sunflower head, where the sticky stuff is.
I tried to wash my fingers off with soap, but didn't wash off.
Only came off after I rubbed my fingers against an abrasive surface.
I read somewhere that latex can be extracted from sunflowers?
Is that what I touched?
I'm just plain curious.

 

[eroomlorac]

I have no idea. I've grown sunflowers in the past and never experienced this. Sorry I couldn't help you.

 

[Ippo456]

No worries, thanks for the reply though.