The ANTMART Soty White A 200×200 mm is a light-colored modular ant farm designed for clear observation and gradual colony growth. Its white body outlines the chamber pattern and creates a contrasting background against which workers, the queen, eggs, larvae, food particles, and debris are easier to see. The model can serve as a first formicarium for a new keeper or as controlled living space for a developing colony.

Moist and dry areas in one nest

Variant A does not humidify the entire residential area equally. A 6 mm plate of medical-grade G23 gypsum is integrated into a localized part of the nest. Moisture reaches the chambers closest to this plate, while more distant compartments remain dry. The ants can therefore place brood in a more humid area and keep seeds or other stores away from the main moisture source.

This arrangement is intended for species that benefit from distinct microclimates rather than uniformly damp chambers. Dry compartments are particularly relevant to seed-storing ants because they reduce the exposure of stored grain to moisture and help limit germination. For that reason, Variant A may also be considered for Messor colonies.

PETG structure and chamber clearance

The base is made from PETG plastic. Foam, plywood, and PLA are not used in the stated construction. White nylon bolts secure the assembly, resist corrosion in a humid environment, and match the restrained appearance of the White series.

Chamber height varies by zone:

• 15 mm above the gypsum plate;
• up to 21 mm inside the dry compartments.

This vertical clearance gives larger workers, soldiers, and queens room to move and turn. The original compatibility guidance specifically discusses Camponotus japonicus and Messor soldiers as examples of ants that can benefit from the deeper internal space.

An 80 mm feeding arena

The arena is 80 mm high and is covered by a two-layer acrylic lid made from two separate sheets. The doubled construction is intended to help the lid retain its shape when exposed to moisture. Mechanical gates close the designated passages and support controlled access while the colony is introduced, serviced, or given additional sections.

Five sections that open as the colony grows

The residential area is divided into 5 independent sections separated by removable partitions. A small colony does not need access to the full nest immediately. One section can be opened first, with the remaining compartments added as the occupied area fills. This staged layout helps the ants establish themselves without facing a large empty nest and reduces the likelihood of unused chambers becoming refuse sites.

For a starting family of approximately 15–20 workers, the source recommends opening only the first compartment. Further expansion should follow the actual use of the available chambers rather than a fixed timetable. A partition can be removed when the colony has clearly grown into its current space.

Species listed for the model

The source compatibility list includes:

• Camponotus nicobarensis;
• Camponotus pseudoirritans;
• Camponotus fedtschenkoi.

The chamber dimensions are also discussed in relation to Camponotus japonicus and Messor soldiers. Compatibility still depends on the requirements of the particular species, the size of the adult ants, the colony’s current population, and its need for dry and humid areas.

Why the white finish is useful

The pale PETG body provides a practical background for routine inspection. Small brood stages, fragments of food, and dirty areas are easier to distinguish against the light surface. This can help the keeper notice when the arena needs cleaning or when the designated humidification area requires attention. The finish improves visibility, but it does not replace regular observation of colony behavior and nest conditions.

Questions and answers

How does Variant A create a humidity gradient?
The G23 gypsum plate occupies only part of the nest. Chambers near the plate receive more moisture, while distant compartments stay drier. This gives the colony a choice of microclimates for brood and stored food.

Can the farm be used for a small starting colony?
Yes. The 5 independently opened sections allow the keeper to limit the initial living area. The source names 15–20 workers as a starting reference for opening the first compartment, after which partitions can be removed gradually.

What are the dry chambers for?
They provide storage space away from the humidified gypsum. This is useful for ants that keep seeds, including Messor, because grain should not remain in constant contact with moisture.

What should be checked before moving a colony?
The keeper should compare the model’s dimensions and moisture arrangement with the biological needs of the chosen species. The colony should also be large enough for the opened area, and unused sections should remain closed until they are needed.

Does the tall arena replace escape-prevention maintenance?
No. The 80 mm arena, acrylic lid, and gates form the physical enclosure described for the model, but their fit and position still need to be checked during routine care and after opening the farm.