The ANTMART Honeycomb White 220×110 ant farm, Variant B, is designed for colonies that require intensive, broadly distributed moisture throughout the nesting area. Its white body and transparent panels provide a clear view of the chambers, while the hexagonal layout makes everyday colony activity easy to observe, from worker movement and brood placement to the gradual occupation of new nesting space.

What defines Variant B

In this version, almost the entire floor of the honeycomb chambers is covered by a continuous 6 mm slab of high-strength G-23 gypsum. Water spreads through a large hygroscopic surface, allowing moisture to evaporate across the residential zone instead of being concentrated around a small insert. This arrangement is intended primarily for moisture-loving and uncommon species that are sensitive to prolonged drying of the nest and brood chambers.

The continuous gypsum floor is the functional difference between Variant B and the partially gypsum-lined Variant A. It produces a more humid environment and therefore must be matched carefully to the biology of the intended inhabitants. G-23 gypsum has a dense structure suited to a component that must retain its form during routine use. Nevertheless, the keeper must still monitor the amount of water, the condition of the gypsum, and the actual moisture level inside the chambers. The design does not replace regular observation.

Body and material system

The formicarium combines 3 mm white and transparent acrylic, PETG plastic, and the G-23 gypsum insert. The pale background creates a strong visual contrast with the ants and helps reveal fine activity inside the cells. The model measures 220×110 mm.

White nylon fasteners hold the layered parts together. Unlike ordinary metal hardware, nylon does not rust when exposed to a damp environment. This makes it a practical match for a model in which water and evaporation are an expected part of operation. The fasteners also preserve the consistent white appearance of the structure, while PETG is used alongside acrylic in the functional body components.

A sectional honeycomb nest

The residential area is formed from hexagonal cells and divided into three sections by removable partitions. The keeper can therefore limit the initial nesting area and open additional chambers as the colony develops. A small family does not need to receive the entire interior immediately; extra space can be introduced in stages when the ants are ready to occupy it.

Before settlement, the open section should be matched to the size of the colony and the requirements of its species. The partitions make spatial management possible, but they do not determine the correct expansion point automatically. That decision should be based on how the colony uses its current chambers, positions its brood, and manages waste.

Arena and closure system

An 80 mm-high arena sits above the nesting section and provides space for feeding and routine maintenance. Its lid is assembled from two acrylic sheets. The paired construction gives the cover greater resistance to warping during prolonged exposure to humid air, while mechanical sliding locks hold it against the body and reduce the chance of an unintended gap.

The lid perimeter and every lock should be checked before and after feeding, cleaning, or moving the unit. A double cover and mechanical fasteners improve containment, but they do not remove the need for normal escape precautions, particularly with small or highly active workers. The farm should only be transported after the outer connections, lid, and internal partitions have been inspected.

Suitable colony types

Variant B is intended for moisture-loving ants. The source material recommends it for ponerines, Pheidole, and tropical Camponotus. Its broad evaporation area can support species for which extended drying of the nesting chambers is undesirable. The exact watering routine must still be selected according to the species, colony size, and conditions in the room.

This version is not intended for Messor or other ants that store grain. Under excessively damp conditions, seeds may germinate or deteriorate. A partly gypsum-lined system, identified in the source as Variant A, is more appropriate for grain-storing colonies. A fundamental mismatch between nest design and species requirements should not be addressed simply by changing the water dose without observing the nest and food stores.

Specifications at a glance

• Body dimensions: 220×110 mm.
• Arena height: 80 mm.
• Acrylic thickness: 3 mm.
• Nest floor: continuous 6 mm G-23 gypsum slab.
• Internal arrangement: three sections with removable partitions.
• Materials: clear and white acrylic, PETG, G-23 gypsum, and white nylon fasteners.
• Moisture profile: intensive full-area humidification rather than a partial gypsum zone.
• Limitation: not recommended for Messor and other grain-storing species.

Questions and answers

• How does the continuous gypsum floor differ from a partial humidifier?

The single G-23 slab creates a large evaporation surface underneath the honeycomb cells. Moisture can therefore influence a broader portion of the nesting area than it would with a small local insert. The arrangement serves moisture-loving colonies but requires careful watering and regular inspection of the chambers.

• Why are nylon fasteners used?

The white nylon components do not rust, which suits a structure routinely exposed to water and humid air. They also maintain the clean, light-colored appearance of the body. As with every structural connection, their condition should be checked during normal maintenance.

• What is the purpose of the double acrylic lid?

Two acrylic layers resist deformation better than a single sheet, and the mechanical sliding locks keep the cover pressed against the body. Together, these features reduce the likelihood of gaps caused by prolonged humid conditions. The entire perimeter must still be inspected whenever the lid is closed.

• Can Messor be housed in Variant B?

Variant B is not recommended for them. Its extensive humidification conflicts with grain storage because seeds kept in damp chambers can germinate or spoil. The source directs keepers of harvester ants toward the partially gypsum-lined Variant A instead.