Honeycomb geometry for a moisture-loving colony

The ANTMART Honeycomb Yellow 220×110 mm Variant B combines a saturated yellow body, clearly visible hexagonal chambers, and a full-area gypsum base. Its contrasting acrylic layers frame the nest layout and keep the colony in view, while the all-gypsum configuration is intended for species that require a consistently humid living area rather than a nest divided into wet and completely dry sections.

Full G-23 gypsum coverage

A 6 mm layer of G-23 gypsum covers the entire residential zone. Because the gypsum is not limited to a small hydration insert, it provides a broad evaporation surface and distributes moisture through the chamber system. This is the defining functional difference between Variant B and ant farms with only partial gypsum coverage.

The dense G-23 material is designed for use inside the formicarium and offers resistance to mechanical wear from larger worker and soldier ants. Its continuous surface supports a humid nest environment for colonies whose biology calls for such conditions. Hydration still needs to be adjusted to the exact species and the observed state of the colony; a broad genus-level recommendation does not replace species-specific husbandry requirements.

Layered materials and corrosion-free fasteners

The body is assembled from 3 mm yellow, white, and transparent acrylic layers together with PETG plastic components. Transparent acrylic provides the viewing area, the white layer creates visual contrast, and the yellow elements give the model its distinctive appearance.

White nylon hardware holds the structure together. Nylon does not rust when exposed to moisture and is resistant to formic acid. This makes it suitable for a formicarium designed to operate with a fully hydrated gypsum zone: the joints remain free from metal corrosion, and the neighboring gypsum is not exposed to rusting bolts.

The construction includes:

• a 220×110 mm body;
• hexagonal residential chambers;
• a full 6 mm G-23 gypsum layer;
• three independently accessible nest sections;
• removable dividers;
• an 80 mm-high arena;
• a double acrylic lid;
• mechanical sliding locks;
• white nylon fasteners.

Room to expand in three stages

The residential area is divided into three sections controlled by removable partitions. A small colony can begin with a restricted nest volume, and additional chambers can be opened as its population increases. This staged arrangement lets the keeper match the accessible space to the current colony size instead of exposing a young family to the whole nest at once.

A reinforced arena cover

The 80 mm arena is fitted with a lid made from two acrylic sheets. The paired layers increase rigidity and help the cover retain its shape in a humid environment. Mechanical sliders hold it closely against the body and reduce the possibility of gaps developing along the joint. The locking arrangement is also useful during careful transportation, although every seam and closure should be inspected before and after the farm is moved.

Species guidance and a key limitation

The source recommendations identify moisture-loving ants from Pachycondyla, Odontoponera, Pheidole, Camponotus, and Carebara as potential inhabitants. Before introducing a colony, the keeper should confirm the humidity needs, chamber dimensions, and appropriate nest volume for the exact species involved.

Variant B is not recommended for Messor or other harvester ants. Since gypsum extends across the complete residential area, the nest does not provide fully dry chambers for storing seed. Colonies with that requirement are better matched to Variant A or another partly gypsum-lined design capable of maintaining a clear moisture gradient and a dry storage zone.

Questions and answers

• What does the full gypsum plate change?

The continuous G-23 layer increases the evaporative area and helps moisture reach all three residential sections. Unlike a partial insert, it does not leave a completely gypsum-free dry zone. The design is therefore aimed at species that use a broadly humid nest.

• Is the lid intended for small Pheidole workers?

Two acrylic layers make the cover more rigid, while the sliding locks press it firmly against the arena. This construction is intended to minimize potential gaps. With very small ants, all joints, closures, and other possible exit points must nevertheless be inspected regularly, particularly after opening, reassembly, or transport.

• Why are nylon fasteners used instead of metal bolts?

White nylon tolerates water and formic acid without rusting. It is therefore well suited to the persistently humid operating conditions of a full-gypsum farm and avoids metal corrosion around the fastener points.

• Does this version contain a dry nest section?

No. G-23 gypsum covers the entire residential zone. If a species requires a completely dry chamber for food reserves, a design with partial gypsum coverage should be selected instead.