The countdown’s on! On 31st August 2025, we’ll be heading north to Glasgow for the 5th Scottish Invertebrate Show – Scotland’s only event dedicated to the weird, wonderful, and often overlooked world of spineless creatures. From tarantulas and stick insects to beetles and bioactive clean-up crews, it’s shaping up to be a cracking day out for enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about the creatures that keep our ecosystems ticking.
Now, here at Frogfather.co.uk, our focus has always been dart frogs and thriving bioactive vivariums. But here’s the thing – without invertebrates, those setups just wouldn’t work. Springtails, isopods, even the humble woodlouse – they’re the behind-the-scenes janitors of every healthy terrarium. That’s why we’re particularly excited about this show – it’s not just a bug fair, it’s an essential stop for anyone serious about creating a thriving frog habitat.
Why Frogkeepers Should Care About the Scottish Invertebrate Show
You might be thinking, “This is an invertebrate show, why should a frog keeper go?” The answer: bioactive magic. Every dart frog tank relies on an invisible army of inverts to keep it healthy. Here’s what you’ll find at the show that’ll make your frog tanks thrive:
- Springtails & isopods – the clean-up crew that munch on waste, mould, and decaying leaves.
- Rare isopod morphs – from powder blues to ember bees, these little beetle-mimics aren’t just functional, they’re fascinating.
- Live plants – tropical foliage perfect for dart frog vivariums.
- Substrates & cork bark – natural decor that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
- Specialist enclosures – including ones we stock right here at Frogfather (check out our invertebrate enclosures to level up your setup).
That’s why this show isn’t just for spider or beetle keepers – it’s for every bioactive enthusiast in the UK.
Event Highlights
🕷️ Top UK Suppliers
Meet the biggest names in the UK invert scene, with stalls packed full of livestock, equipment, and unique gifts. Whether you’re after your first springtail tub or that elusive mantis species, you’ll find it here.
🪲 Exhibits and Workshops
Enjoy talks and demonstrations from expert entomologists and keepers. Learn how to start your first bug colony, or pick up pro tips for building thriving vivariums.
🐛 Kids’ Free Bugs
Yes, you read that right. Children can pick up some free bugs at the show – a fun (and slightly cheeky) way to spark their curiosity in the natural world. Don’t worry, you won’t be sent home with a tarantula in your pocket, but a stick insect or two is very likely.
🔄 Exchange Table
Got surplus isopods, stick insects, or cultures? The swap table is a brilliant way to share, trade, and expand your invert colonies without spending a fortune.
Show Details
📍 Venue: Scotstoun Leisure Centre, 72 Danes Drive, Glasgow, G14 9HD
🕚 Opening Hours: 11am – 4pm
🎟️ Tickets: Adults £6, Under 16s £3
👉 Book Tickets Here
Why It Matters
For us frogkeepers, this show is more than a market. It’s where we source the bioactive heart of our vivariums. Every springtail tub and isopod culture plays a part in keeping dart frogs healthy.
Beyond that, it’s a chance to connect with the wider invert-keeping community – the spider folk, the beetle buffs, the roach enthusiasts – all of whom have their own tips and tricks that cross over beautifully into frog husbandry.
Last year’s show was buzzing (literally), with tables groaning under the weight of exotic species, kids handling stick insects with awe, and frogkeepers stocking up on bioactive supplies. 2025 promises even more.
See You in Glasgow!?
So, whether you’re going for the tarantulas, the beetles, or to stock up on springtails for your next dart frog vivarium build – the Scottish Invertebrate Show 2025 is an essential date for your diary.
👉 Don’t forget to check out our invertebrate enclosures – the perfect homes for springtails, isopods, and all the tiny allies that keep your frogs’ world clean and balanced.
