A bright nest built for close colony observation

ANTMART Honeycomb White 220×110 mm, Variant A is a partially plaster-based formicarium with a distinctive layout of hexagonal chambers. Against the white background, adult ants as well as eggs, larvae, and pupae remain easy to observe. The model can serve a first colony or an established colony that needs an organized nest with room for controlled expansion.

Transparent components expose the internal structure, while the white finish emphasizes the honeycomb geometry. The appearance also has a practical purpose: it helps the keeper follow brood development, see which chambers are occupied, and monitor how the ants use the available zones.

Acrylic, PETG, and moisture-resistant fasteners

The structure combines white and transparent 3 mm acrylic with PETG plastic components. White nylon fasteners hold the parts together. Nylon does not rust when exposed to moisture, making it suitable for a formicarium that contains a plaster plate requiring regular hydration. The matching white hardware also preserves the clean visual design.

Hydration is provided by a 6 mm plate made from G-23 plaster. Water spreads through the plate by capillary action and supplies moisture to the designated section of the nest. The dense material is intended to retain its structure inside the formicarium and resist mechanical wear better than soft plaster mixtures. Hydration frequency and water volume must still be adjusted to the species and the actual condition of the colony.

A tall arena with a rigid double lid

The arena is 80 mm high and provides an open area for feeding, foraging, waste disposal, and suitable landscaping. Decorations can be arranged to create the desired setting, provided that they do not obstruct access to the nest or interfere with routine maintenance.

A double-layer acrylic lid closes the arena. Using two layers increases rigidity and reduces the likelihood of warping under changing humidity or temperature. Dedicated latches hold the lid firmly against the body, limiting accidental gaps and unwanted opening while the unit is being moved. The lid and every latch should be checked after feeding, cleaning, or transportation, because escape prevention also depends on correct assembly and handling.

A nest that expands in stages

Removable dividers split the honeycomb living area into three independent sections. A small colony can initially receive access to only the space it needs. Further chambers can be opened later, once the growing population requires additional room.

This staged approach offers several practical benefits:

• a young colony is not placed in an excessively large nest;
• occupied chambers are easier to inspect;
• ants are less likely to establish waste piles in unused sections;
• living space can be increased without replacing the complete formicarium.

The hexagonal chambers form a distributed nesting layout. Chamber height reaches up to 21 mm, allowing even large queens of compatible species to move through the available space. Dividers should be removed in response to actual colony growth rather than opening all three sections in advance.

Species compatibility for Variant A

Partial hydration creates areas with different moisture levels inside the nest. This arrangement is suitable for Messor structor, providing a hydrated section while leaving drier chambers available for seed storage. The honeycomb layout is also compatible with Camponotus, whose larger individuals can use chambers measuring up to 21 mm in height.

Compatibility does not replace species-specific husbandry. Before introducing a colony, the keeper should confirm its temperature, humidity, diet, and space requirements. The formicarium supplies the physical zones described here, but those zones must be managed according to the biology and development stage of the ants being kept.

Construction details

• series: Honeycomb Edition;
• overall model size: 220×110 mm;
• hydration type: partial, Variant A;
• hydration component: 6 mm G-23 plaster plate;
• body materials: white and transparent 3 mm acrylic plus PETG plastic;
• fastener material: white nylon;
• arena height: 80 mm;
• nest chamber height: up to 21 mm;
• chamber architecture: hexagonal honeycomb layout;
• internal zoning: three sections with removable dividers;
• stated compatible ants: Messor structor and Camponotus.

Questions about the formicarium

• What is the purpose of the G-23 plaster plate?

The 6 mm plate receives water and distributes it through the hydrated part of the nest by capillary action. Its density helps it retain its shape and resist contact with the ants during normal use. The keeper should nevertheless inspect the plate and control the amount of water instead of assuming that every colony needs the same hydration schedule.

• Why are nylon fasteners used instead of metal ones?

The fasteners operate close to a section that is regularly exposed to moisture. Nylon does not corrode or produce rust under these conditions, which makes it a practical choice for a partially plaster-based formicarium.

• How does the two-layer arena lid help?

The additional acrylic layer makes the lid more rigid and helps it retain its geometry when humidity and temperature change. Latches press it against the enclosure and reduce the chance of gaps. Correct closure should be verified manually whenever the arena has been opened.

• Why is the nest divided into three sections?

The dividers let the available nest volume follow the size of the colony. The keeper can begin with a compact living area and open another section only when the population has grown. This supports clearer observation and discourages the use of distant, empty chambers as waste areas.

• Is the model limited to one colony stage?

No fixed stage is specified. Its removable zoning allows the enclosure to serve a smaller colony and then provide more chambers as that colony develops. Whether expansion is appropriate should be judged from occupancy and behavior rather than from a preset schedule.