A structured habitat that grows with the colony

The 200×200 mm ANTMART Honeycomb Black A combines a distinctive black body, a hexagonal chamber layout, and residential sections that can be introduced gradually. Its partially plastered nest creates both humidified and dry areas. Brood can be kept closer to moisture while food reserves can remain in drier chambers, depending on the ants’ behavior and biological requirements. This arrangement also makes the colony’s expansion easy to observe.

A controlled humidity gradient

A 6 mm layer of medical-grade G23 gypsum is integrated into selected parts of the residential area rather than covering the entire nest. Two independent humidification zones distribute moisture through the relevant chambers while leaving other sections dry. The result is a choice of microzones instead of one uniformly damp environment.

This configuration is intended for species that benefit from access to both moist and dry nest areas. The actual watering schedule must still be adjusted to the species, colony size, ambient temperature, and evaporation rate. The construction provides the zones; it does not replace species-specific husbandry.

Extra chamber height for larger ants

The chambers provide 15 mm of clearance above the gypsum and up to 21 mm in the dry sections. This gives large queens, workers, and soldiers more room to turn and move through the nest. The source material specifically presents the model as an option for Camponotus japonicus and other relatively large ants that may be uncomfortable in shallow chambers.

PETG body and nylon hardware

The main structural components are made from PETG, a material suited to use around moisture and intended to retain its shape during normal ant-farm operation. Black nylon bolts match the Black-series design and do not rust like metal fasteners.

Construction details include:

• overall dimensions of 200×200 mm;
• a localized 6 mm G23 gypsum layer;
• 15 mm chamber height above gypsum and up to 21 mm in dry sections;
• two independent humidification zones;
• five residential sections;
• removable dividers;
• an 80 mm-high arena;
• a double acrylic lid;
• shutters and black nylon fasteners.

Five-stage colony expansion

The nest is divided into five autonomous sections. When the colony is small, unused chambers can remain closed behind removable partitions. Additional space can then be opened as the population increases. Matching the available nest volume to the colony’s current size can discourage ants from treating distant, unoccupied chambers as refuse areas and makes routine observation more manageable.

A separate arena for daily care

The 80 mm-high arena provides a dedicated area for feeding, cleaning, and watching activity outside the nest. Its lid uses two acrylic sheets to increase rigidity and reduce bending associated with humid conditions. Shutters close the passages incorporated into the design. After assembly, the fit of every component and the closure of all exits should still be inspected regularly; protective features do not remove the need for routine escape checks.

Species listed for this configuration

The original compatibility list includes Camponotus nicobarensis, Camponotus pseudoirritans, Camponotus fedtschenkoi, and Messor structor. The partially plastered layout may also be considered for other species that use a humidity gradient. Before introducing a colony, confirm its required chamber dimensions, moisture range, temperature, feeding routine, and nesting behavior rather than relying on the compatibility list alone.

Questions and answers

What does the honeycomb layout contribute?
The hexagonal pattern packs interconnected passages and living chambers efficiently into the 200×200 mm body. It keeps the internal arrangement visually clear and reduces awkward gaps between usable areas. It is a structural layout rather than a substitute for suitable colony care.

How is Variant A different from the fully plastered version?
Variant A has localized gypsum and retains dry chambers alongside humidified ones. In Variant B, the 6 mm gypsum layer covers the whole residential surface, creating a more consistently moisture-oriented configuration.

Can it be used for species that require very high humidity?
This model is designed to offer a gradient, allowing ants to choose between wetter and drier locations. For species that need a broadly humid nest, the manufacturer points to the fully plastered Variant B. The final choice should be based on the biology of the exact species and on measurable conditions inside the completed setup.

Does PETG make the farm maintenance-free?
No. PETG and nylon hardware are practical choices for a humid enclosure, but the farm still requires appropriate watering, feeding, waste removal, inspection of the lid and shutters, and ongoing monitoring of the colony.