For dart frog keepers in the UK, shows can be valuable — but only if you approach them with a plan.

Reptile shows and invert shows offer very different things, and turning up to the wrong event with the wrong expectations often leads to wasted time, money, and frustration.

This guide is designed to help dart frog keepers decide which type of show to attend, when to attend, and what to go there for — so each trip actually supports your frogs rather than complicating things.

Quick reference:

• UK reptile shows 2025–2026 – dates, times, and locations
• UK invert shows 2026 – full calendar and visitor guide

Why dart frog keepers need a different approach to shows

Dart frogs are not typical “show animals”. Their needs are precise, and their success in captivity depends far more on preparation than impulse.

Unlike many reptiles, dart frogs rely on:

• stable humidity
• consistent feeding
• well-established microfauna
• low-stress environments

This means the value of a show trip isn’t measured by how much you buy — but by whether what you bring back genuinely improves your setup.

What reptile shows are best used for

UK reptile shows excel in areas that support dart frog keeping indirectly.

They are particularly useful for sourcing:

• vivariums and enclosure hardware
• lighting and control equipment
• substrates, leaf litter, and hardscape
• general bioactive supplies

Seeing these items in person can prevent expensive mistakes, especially when upgrading or building new enclosures.

Related: Dart frog care, guides, and resources

What reptile shows are not ideal for

Despite the name, reptile shows are often not the best place to focus on dart frogs themselves.

Common limitations include:

• limited dart frog availability
• inconsistent breeder presence
• busy, dry, and noisy environments

For these reasons, many experienced keepers avoid buying dart frogs at shows unless they already know the seller and have planned carefully.

Where invert shows shine for dart frog keepers

Invert shows offer something reptile shows often don’t: focus.

They are one of the best places in the UK to source:

• springtails and feeder cultures
• isopods and clean-up crews
• specialist knowledge around microfauna

For dart frog keepers, these are not optional extras — they are core components of long-term success.

Choosing the right show for your goal

The key question to ask before attending any show is simple:

What problem am I trying to solve?

If your goal is to:

• upgrade an enclosure → reptile show
• stabilise feeding and microfauna → invert show
• network with keepers → either (with different expectations)

Attending without a clear goal is the fastest way to come home with items you don’t actually need.

Timing your show visits

Timing matters just as much as show type.

For dart frog keepers:

• spring and early summer are ideal for microfauna sourcing
• late summer suits enclosure upgrades
• winter shows are often quieter but more limited

Checking up-to-date calendars before committing is essential.

Preparing before you go

A successful show trip starts before you leave home.

Preparation should include:

• reviewing trader lists
• deciding exactly what you are buying
• bringing suitable containers for live cultures
• avoiding impulse livestock decisions

Shows reward intention. Wandering in unprepared rarely works out well for dart frog keepers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should dart frog keepers attend reptile shows or invert shows?

Both can be useful, but for different reasons. Reptile shows suit equipment purchases, while invert shows are better for feeding and microfauna.

Are invert shows better for beginner dart frog keepers?

Often yes, particularly for learning about springtails, feeding routines, and bioactive stability.

Can you plan to attend both in the same year?

Yes. Many experienced keepers attend one or two of each, depending on their needs at the time.

Do dart frog keepers need to attend shows at all?

No. Shows are useful tools, not requirements. Many keepers successfully source everything without attending events.

Key takeaway: Planning is what turns a UK show trip into a useful experience for dart frog keepers. Choose the right type of show for your goal, prepare in advance, and focus on what genuinely supports your frogs.