ANTMART Apex White A is a 220×110 mm formicarium that combines a crisp white body with a carefully divided nesting area. Ant silhouettes, adult coloration, and brood development are easy to distinguish against the light PETG base. Square-shaped passages make efficient use of the available footprint, while the tall arena provides a practical area for feeding, maintenance, and everyday observation.

A nest that can expand with the colony

The residential area is divided by partitions into 3 independent sections. A young colony can begin with access to a single zone, with the remaining sections opened as its population increases. This gradual approach keeps the usable area proportionate to the size of the family and reduces the chance that vacant chambers will become storage areas for refuse.

Variant A: moist and dry zones in one system

Apex White A is a partially plaster-based model. High-strength G23 plaster is integrated into one part of the passage network to create a humidified zone, while the other chambers remain dry. The ants can therefore use areas with different moisture conditions without leaving the nest. For seed-storing genera such as Messor and Pogonomyrmex, the dry chambers are particularly relevant as places where food reserves can be kept away from the damp section.

Chamber clearance is 15 mm above the plaster layer and 21 mm in the dry sections. This layout also provides room for larger ants. Species mentioned in connection with the design include Camponotus japonicus, Myrmicaria brunnea, Camponotus maculatus subnudus, Camponotus nicobarensis, Camponotus pseudoirritans, and Camponotus fedtschenkoi. The needs of the exact species and the current colony size should still be assessed before introduction.

Body materials and fittings

The base is made from white PETG. White nylon bolts are used throughout the assembly; unlike metal fittings, they do not rust in a humid environment and visually blend with the pale body. Keeping metal fasteners away from the moistened G23 plaster also prevents the corrosion marks associated with ordinary steel hardware.

Arena access and closure

The arena is 80 mm high and is covered by a double acrylic lid. Its two acrylic layers improve resistance to moisture-related warping, while mechanical sliding catches hold the top in its closed position. Before housing very small ants or species that actively test possible exits, every joint should be inspected and an appropriate escape barrier added when required.

Construction at a glance

• overall size: 220×110 mm;
• square passage geometry;
• 3 isolated sections for gradual colony expansion;
• partial G23 plaster zone;
• chamber height: 15 mm above plaster and 21 mm in dry sections;
• 80 mm-high arena;
• white PETG base;
• white nylon bolts;
• double upper acrylic lid;
• mechanical sliding closure.

Questions and answers

What is the purpose of the three nest sections?
The partitions allow the usable nesting area to match the colony population. One section can be opened for a small family, followed by the additional zones as more workers appear. This makes a young colony easier to manage and helps prevent unused rooms from becoming refuse chambers.

Why does the farm use nylon fittings?
Nylon does not rust when exposed to the humid conditions around the hydration area. As a result, the G23 plaster is not marked by the corrosion commonly associated with metal screws. The white hardware also maintains the consistent appearance of the Apex White body.

How is the arena secured?
The top combines two acrylic sheets with mechanical catches. The layered construction reduces the risk of the lid bending, and the catches help prevent unintended opening. The enclosure should nevertheless be checked before use, especially when the selected species has particularly small workers.